Even as the final notes of the 2025 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival still linger, government officials are already setting their sights on next year – and beyond – with plans to enhance accessibility, broaden the arts programming and improve crowd and traffic management.
During Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire outlined several key initiatives under consideration. A top priority is ensuring better accommodations for older patrons, especially during Kingdom Night, which traditionally draws a mature audience.
“These are people who may not be able to walk long distances,” he said. “If you want to tell them their vehicles are parked by Landings and they have to walk up the stretch, that’s not going to work. These are things we have to think about.”
With over 9 000 people packing Mindoo Phillip Park on opening night this year, the minister acknowledged that some venues may be nearing capacity, prompting a reevaluation of logistics for future editions.
A Broader Creative Experience
Hilaire also emphasised the festival’s potential to become a broader showcase of local talent. “We plan to increase support for the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) to expand the arts component significantly,” he said.
Plans include spotlighting more community-based artists – from spoken word poets and visual artists to dancers and musicians – while providing local bands with a larger platform to shine.
In addition, organisers are exploring more theatrical productions, not as a replacement for the main stage performances, but as a complementary attraction. This expansion aims to diversify the festival’s appeal, drawing in new audiences while enriching the overall cultural experience.
“You might have 1 000 people at Pure Jazz, but 1 500 attending a major theatrical production. That’s the kind of diversity we want to introduce. We’re not removing the music; we’re broadening the experience.”
Tackling Traffic and Access
Traffic congestion continues to be one of the festival’s most persistent challenges, especially on nights at Pigeon Island, and Hilaire acknowledged that current infrastructure is being outpaced by the festival’s growth.
One proposed solution is to have more patrons park in Castries and take water taxis from Point Seraphine or the city’s waterfront, instead of closer sites like the Rodney Bay Marina. “If we can get a few thousand people leaving from Castries, it would remove a lot of traffic pressure from the north,” Hilaire said.
However, he acknowledged the challenge of shifting long-standing habits. “Saint Lucians like to park right where they’re going. That’s a reality we’re going to have to work on.”
More Art in Communities, More Learning Opportunities
The government is also pushing for smaller community jazz events extending beyond music. “Maybe not just one day of music,” said the minister, “but a number of days including the arts – the visual arts, the performing arts. We want Saint Lucia to become a creative space.”
To complement this, organisers are exploring ways to involve international performers in developmental initiatives.
“Next year, we’re going to make sure some visiting artists are involved in teaching classes,” Hilaire said. “It’s something we’ll negotiate in their contracts – to contribute to our social and cultural development.”
New Sites, Familiar Energy
Jazz on the Square, a festival staple, may also see a logistical tweak in 2026. Due to its proximity to the cathedral, performances can start later in the day to accommodate Mass or funerals. One alternative being explored is to activate the boardwalk in Castries, which is slated to be built by the time the festival rolls around.
“We cannot start at the square but there might be something on the boardwalk, it might just be performances and people just assembling on the boardwalk and then moving to the square,” Hilaire suggested. “We’re thinking of different things, even if not Constitution Park, other options can be considered.”
Looking Ahead
Behind the scenes, the festival committee has already begun shaping next year’s lineup. “I really have to thank the committee,” Hilaire said. “They’ve come up with fantastic lineups over the last few years and I can tell you they won’t fall short next year.”
