Festival brings night life to George Town

CNS Editor | 12/08/2019

(CNS Local Life): The first monthly Saturday Night Live in George Town event drew crowds to Hog Sty Bay on Saturday, 3 August. A concept from the George Town Revitalisation Initiative (part of the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure), the event on the waterfront offered a variety of food for sale as live music played.

Participants were able to sample everything from tacos to Cayman-style beef with breadfruit nachos. Attendee Henry Warnock-Smith said he was pleased to see some “buzz” to George Town on a weekend evening, stated a press release.

“This time of year can feel really quiet on island,” Warnock-Smith said, adding, “It’s great to see there’s still plenty going on; that people can come out and support local vendors and musicians on a beautiful evening like this.”

The event was the brainchild of George Town Revitalisation coordinator Colin Lumsden, who said it is just one part of a strategy geared towards bringing life and vibrancy back to the city. “A proud and vibrant capital shouldn’t quieten down once the offices close and the cruise ship visitors depart,” he said.

Lumsden noted the project’s priorities also emphasise “sustainability and quality of life for the George Town community, promoting walkability and connectivity for people, diversifying downtown through mixed-use zoning and providing affordable housing and transportation options to people”.

One of the top concerns for the revitalisation effort is the drive to increase green space in the capital, through the construction of “pocket parks” or mini green areas dotted across the revitalisation area, the release said. The initiative is seeking stakeholder and public consultation on solutions which will eventually be implemented through policy and systems, working with both the natural and built environment.

The next event, a street food festival on Cardinal Avenue, is set for Saturday, 21 September, from 5pm to 11pm.