THE eighth edition of the popular “Oktoberfest en Kwéyòl” has been launched here by the organizers Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd.(WLBL).
The launch was held at the Bay Gardens Hotel, where organizers gave the press and invited guests an overview of what to expect for this year’s event.
“Oktoberfest en Kwéyòl,” which saw record numbers attending last year at Samaans Park, is now a staple on the calendar of activities in Saint Lucia.
WLBL has been able to creatively transition the traditional Oktoberfest beer festival with its origins in Germany into St Lucia’s own beer festival which has a distinct Kwéyòl twist that has become Oktoberfest en Kweyol.
This year’s event will be held on Sunday October 4 from 2:00 p.m at Samaans Park and will once again offer a mix of regional and local acts, great food, beers from WLBLs own portfolio as well as the main attraction, the imported brews..
In announcing the beer line-up, Sylvester Henry of WLBL spoke of the introduction of a special WLBL limited edition brew, which will make its debut at Oktoberfest. Called “Cheers,” this bottled beer will mark the start of WLBLs 40th anniversary celebrations.
This year “Oktoberfest en Kwéyòl” will again feature Paulaner, the special edition Oktoberfest Beer from Germany and the popular Parbo Bier Jogo from Suriname. The event will see the introduction of Mort Subite, Judas and MaesPils from Belgium, Bulmer’s Cider and Blind Pig Cider from the UK and Fayrouz from Egypt in two flavours, pineapple and pear. This drink is non-alcoholic.
Marketing Manager at WLBL Thomas Leonce also introduced the performers for this year’s event: Ras Africa, Invader, Robbie, Alman, Secrets Band, AvotSevis, Mamai La Kai, Silver Shadow Dancers, Leonette Pierre and DYP all from Saint Lucia. The featured artiste for “Oktoberfest en Kwéyòl” this year will be Metal Sound of Martinique who scored a number of raga-zouk songs in the 90’s including “Jen Fi OuDous” and “Tros Jen.”
Recognizing their strengths in manufacturing world-class products and staging world-class events, WLBL has engaged the Folk Research Centre in endorsing the event. The FRC’s mandate is to foster an appreciation of the Kwéyòl Culture and is also the principal agency responsible for Kweyol Heritage Month and JounenKwéyòl.
Strategically placing the event at the beginning of October and embracing our Kwéyòl culture as part of Oktoberfest en Kweyol, made the marriage between the FRC and WLBL inevitable. Part proceeds of the event go towards the FRC.
As the entity responsible for marketing Saint Lucia, the St. Lucia Tourist Board is also seen as key, since WLBL views Oktoberfest En Kweyol as a wonderful addition to the number of events in Saint Lucia that can attract visitors to our shores from near and far.
This year Digicel is a gold sponsor of Oktoberfest en Kweyol. Media partners are The Wave and Radio Caribbean and other sponsors include Landmark Events Ltd and Paradise Water.