As the date for the seventh annual Festival Noel draws closer, Grand Bahama residents can anticipate an elegant “evening under the stars” at the beautiful and world-renowned Garden of the Groves.
Bristol Cellars Managing Director, Jose Portuondo, says the event scheduled for December 6th, has increased in size each year and with its former location, the Rand Nature Centre, undergoing renovations and upgrading, the new site was the next best choice.
“The Garden of the Groves is the best place to hold such a prestigious and large event. With its spacious grounds and charming atmosphere, the Garden of the Groves will capture the mood and ambience that the previous Festival Noels are known for. This year we expect the number of persons attending to exceed last year’s count,” says Mr. Portuondo.
General Manager of the Garden of the Groves, Carmel Churchill, is extremely pleased to be hosting such a splendid event and hopes patrons of the event can feel at home at Festival Noel’s new location.
Although the venue has changed, several key elements that have made this extravaganza such a success will remain the same. Persons can still enjoy sipping wine, sampling hors d’oeuvres, surveying art and socializing with friends, but this year promises a few more exciting twists.
This year, Festival Noel organisers are thrilled to announce that the featured guest artist is renowned Bahamian painter Eddie Minnis, who will bring 10 original works, plus a number of fine prints to the festival. Of course, Grand Bahama’s favourite local artists will also display their artwork; these artists have been very busy creating beautiful new works for this year’s evening.
In addition to having artwork grace the grounds, more attractive lighting will transform the “garden” into a sparkling botanical paradise. In this fantastic atmosphere, persons will have the pleasure of sampling more wine and champagne; courtesy of Bristol Cellars, as two additional tables have been added to the original setup of six.
Another plus to the evening, will be the return of some of the island’s best restaurants, who will woo persons with their tasty culinary delights.
“The addition of the restaurants was a huge success last year,” says Carolyn Milligan, BNT (Bahamas National Trust) Member. “On one hand, we had so many positive comments from those who came, and yet on the other, so many who were very disappointed that they didn’t attend. I know this year’s tickets will be going fast, because the restaurants are coming back!”
And indeed they are. Guests can look forward to seeing The Ferry House, Paradiso of the Royal Oasis, Iries of Our Lucaya, Billy Joe’s, Club Caribe, It’s your Party Catering, Joe Rhett’s Pig Roast and the Bahamas Hotel Training College (BHTC), who will impress them with their succulent creations. In addition, Jeff Butler’s newest restaurant Harbour Lobster and Fish Company specializing in Cajun Creole & Caribbean delicacies, will be joining these fine restaurants.
Of course, this night would not be complete without a silent auction by CEI whose staff members will be placed strategically throughout the garden for the buyer’s convenience. And to cap off the spectacular evening, a surprise event will take place that is sure to captivate the audience.
Hard working volunteers from Bristol Cellars, Bahamas National Trust, and co-sponsors of the event, Freeport Advertising and Printing, CEI, and Grand Bahama’s very own Cool 96, are busy preparing to make this a night to remember. Last year this dynamic team was able to double last year’s profits, their goal this year is to surpass those numbers. Especially since all proceeds for the event are donated to the Grand Bahama’s National Trust and funds will be directed towards the renovations needed to the Lucayan National Park Bridge.
Considering last year’s event was such a success, persons are encouraged to purchase their tickets early, as this year’s Festival Noel is a grand affair not to be missed. Tickets for this spectacular event are $45 and can be purchased at Bristol Cellars and the Rand Nature Centre, for more information please call 352-5438.
