16th Annual Barbados Gospelfest Rings in Spring

16th Annual Barbados Gospelfest Rings in Spring

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating the best in international, regional and local gospel talent, this year's "Barbados Gospelfest -- AWESOME 2008," will be held from May 18th through May 25th, 2008. Continuing to attract thousands of locals and visitors from the Caribbean, the US and the UK, the festival has become a major annual Caribbean gospel event, held at various venues across Barbados. 2008's celebration will feature an exciting lineup of talented artists, ranging from choirs to comedians.

This year's leading performer, Israel and New Breed, the 2007 Grammy Award winner for Best Traditional Gospel Album, will captivate and electrify the audience. Other headliners are Shekinah Glory Ministry of Chicago whose ultimate purpose is reflected in the meaning of its name -- to usher listeners into the "very manifest presence of God."

Christian Comedy will feature for the first time in the festival with the introduction of Christian comedian Akintunde, a thirteen-year veteran stand-up comedian. Akintunde's humorous musings on the challenges of marriage and parenting in the 21st century, as well as his clever observations about everyday life, have made him one of the most popular Christian comics working today.

As a wholesome family-oriented festival, Barbados Gospelfest incorporates specific events that target children, teenagers and young adults.

The calendar of events for this year's 16th Annual Barbados Gospelfest is as follows:

Sunday, May 18th (Venue and time to be announced):
Event: 15th Anniversary Celebration and Thanksgiving Service

Monday, May 19th (7:00pm): St. Michael's Cathedral Bridgetown
Event: Hymn Speak "Lost in Wonder, Love & Praise"

Wednesday, May 21st (5:30pm): Jackie Opel Amphitheatre, Bridgetown
Event: British American Sunset Concert

Thursday, May 22nd (8:00pm): Frank Collymore Hall for the Expressions of
Gospel
Event: Courts Expressions of Gospel

Friday, May 23rd (8:00pm/9:00pm): Divi Southwinds Beach Resort (Venue to
be announced)
Event: Laughter and Jazz
Event: Extreme Youth Event

Saturday, May 24th (7:00pm): Garfield Sobers Complex (Wildey, St. Michael)
Event: International Gospel Night "All Nations Sing"

Sunday, May 25th (1:00pm): Farley Hill National Park (Farley Hill St.
Peter)
Event: One Awesome Day

*There is an entrance fee for some of these events.

The Barbados Tourism Authority partners with Barbados Gospelfest to promote the festival throughout the Caribbean, the USA, Canada and the UK. Interest continues to be strong in these markets where special travel and accommodation packages facilitate persons visiting Barbados for the festival. To book packages go to www.barbadosgospelfest.com and click on the travel tab.

ABOUT BARBADOS GOSPELFEST

Barbados Gospelfest is an annual production of Gospelfest (Barbados) Inc. Envisioned to be the premier international Christian music and arts festival, Barbados Gospelfest promotes the life-changing impact of God in the lives of all those that come into contact with the festival. Now in its 16th year, Gospelfest features leading local, regional and international Gospel artists. It also provides a platform for artistic interpretation of Gospel through dance and other expressions. The festival is family-oriented and incorporates specific events aimed at children, as well as teenagers and young adults. To find out more and/or be a part of the experience visit, www.barbadosgospelfest.com.

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes ranging from rolling waves on the Atlantic to those gently lapping the Caribbean coast. It is the first and only Zagat rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally-renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous athletic championships, including the 2007 Cricket Finals and the 2006 PGA World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. The island's official website is www.visitbarbados.org.

For more information, contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.

Source: The Barbados Tourism Authority

CONTACT: Emily Grubb, emily@brandmanpr.com, or Daphna Barzilay,
daphna@brandmanpr.com, both of The Brandman Agency for The Barbados Tourism
Authority, +1-212-683-2442

Web site:

http://www.barbadosgospelfest.com/
http://www.visitbarbados.org/

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