This festival was a fun filled time and cultural experience for Bahamians and visitors alike!  The Theme: The Bahamas, The Jewel of the Crown, reflected how Britain influenced The Bahamas through government, education and architecture.  By exploring this theme, the committee was able to show how the history of The Bahamas intertwines tightly with that of the United Kingdom.

Mad King George, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and the first Royal Governor of The Bahamas, Woodes Rodgers all came to visit Green Turtle Cay, especially for the festival.  The Royal Court was seen throughout the streets of New Plymouth and the Festival Site the entire weekend!

The festival weekend began Thursday evening with a Welcome Reception at the Captain Roland Roberts House Environmental Center graced by Queen Victoria and her Royal Court.  A delightful time was had by all as we welcomed our guests from Key West and the rest of the world.

A highlight of this festival was the Queen's Tea Party held at The New Plymouth Inn both afternoons.  Delicious teacakes and sandwiches were prepared and served by the friends and family of the local library.  Earl Grey Tea and freshly made Lemongrass Bush Tea were offered.  Green Turtle Club sponsored a wonderful show of island fashion, gracefully modeled by beautiful Bahamian ladies.  At Saturday's tea, Queen Victoria was offered a specially prepared musical selection by Mrs. Woodes Rodgers which delighted the Queen so much, she requested another song!  Rule Britannia was then sung, ending with the entire room standing and cheering Hip Hip Hooray!!  All proceeds of this function were in aid of the Green Turtle Cay Library.

Other events of the weekend included Tournament of Arms Swordfighting Show, Soldier Drill, Game Time with the Queen presenting awards to all, Maypole Dance, a Fashion Show with all our visiting Monarchs and Royal Court, Woodes Rodgers and Mad King George Storey Times, an exciting performance by Dynomite Daisy, a Junkanoo Rush, a Fire Show at sunset, Abaco dinghy demonstrations and display, Family Tree Research and a Treasure Hunt.  Our entertainers for the weekend were The Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band, The Lassido Boys Rake and Scrape Band, Island Spice, The Gully Roosters and other local performers.

As promised the committee further developed venues off the festival site and offered more Informative Talks at the Administrator's Office.  Sandra Riley spoke on The Loyalists, Darius Williams presented a talk on the Rail Systems of the Bahamas and signed his newly published book for many, Ricky Johnson presented an energetic talk on the Flora and Fauna of the Bahamas by offering Ricky's Nature Adventure and tour to many, Bob Carr spoke on the Historical Sites of Abaco and archeological finds.  Richard 'O Blue' Jones was so proud of his new Bush Medicine Garden at the Environmental Center that he gave tours, talks on Bush Medicine and how it can help you and the world and then offered Bush Tea to all those attending. 

The festival site was home to arts and crafts that included beautiful Bahamian straw work, conch shell and driftwood art, jewelry and paintings.  Our Bahamian heritage was well represented through the wide variety of Bahamian cuisine and drinks served all day and night!

And in the end, we brought the festival to a close in prayer and thanksgiving with our Community Thanksgiving Service, wishing everyone safe journeys home and speedy return!

To view photos of this festival please return to Main Menu and click on photos, then click on IRHF '08, RBPF Band '08, Junkanoo '08 and IRHF '08 Recap.  Enjoy!