BRADES, Montserrat — Montserrat’s creative and entertainment scene received a major boost through the 2026 Calabash Festival, a nine-day celebration that brought music, food, culture and community activities together across the island.

The festival, held from July 18–26, was organised around Montserrat’s rich cultural identity while creating opportunities for local performers, creatives, food producers and community groups to connect with audiences.

Music and live entertainment remained central to the celebrations, including Calasplash, which combined beach culture, DJs, live performances, food and dancing.

The programme also highlighted Montserratian cuisine, arts, crafts and cultural traditions, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the island beyond its tourism attractions.

The festival formed part of a wider push to strengthen Montserrat’s creative economy, with government policy identifying cultural events and their commercial potential as an important area for economic and community development.

Young people also remain an important part of the island’s cultural strategy, with initiatives supporting calypso, masquerade, steel pan and other creative disciplines.

The latest festival demonstrates how Montserrat is increasingly using entertainment and culture to showcase local talent while strengthening its appeal as a Caribbean destination.

With Calabash now completed, attention will turn to the island’s remaining cultural calendar, including Cudjoe Head Day and the upcoming Alliouagana Festival of the Word.