Burning Flames to receive keys to Carnival City

The stage is set for the ceremonial opening of Antigua Carnival 2023. Following
months of planning and preparations, the opening of the annual summer festival is
just mere hours away. It takes place this Thursday, July 27, starting with a parade
through the streets of St. John and culminating at the Antigua Recreation Grounds
(ARG), now transformed into Carnival City.
The popular Burning Flames band, Antigua and Barbuda’s Fabulous Four will
serve as Grand Marshalls for the parade, which moves off from the Ministry of
Agriculture’s compound on Independence Drive and then makes its way through
St. John to the ARG.
There will be an on-stage ceremony where official remarks will be presented by
the Minister of Creative Industries, Honourable Daryll Matthew who will also
present the keys to Carnival City to the Burning Flames Band and declare the start
of the Carnival celebrations.
There will be appearances by the 2023 Miss Queen of Carnival, the Mr. and Miss
Teenage pageant winners as well as the contestants taking part in the JCI
Caribbean Queen Show. The finalists in the Junior Carnival, Calypso Monarch,
and Party Monarch competitions will also participate in the show.
Reigning Queen of Carnival, Miss Cedar Valley Golf Course, Ischikelle Corbin
will deliver the welcome address and there will be cultural performances by
several groups.
The opening activities will end with a fireworks display followed by a jam session
led by the Burning Flames band.