Culture Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange has outlined details of the national activities being planned to celebrate Emancipation and Independence next month.

In a statement to Parliament, Minister Grange said the national activities will start her ministry extending its usual support to the Governor-General’s Independence Reception at Kings House slated for July 27.

The following Sunday, July 30, the public is being invited to worship at the Independence Church Service at Waltham Park New Testament Church of God starting at 10:00 am.

Emancipation Jubilee will take place as usual at Seville Heritage Park in St Ann on July 31 beginning at 7:00pm. This event is free of cost to the public and celebrates the freedom of our African ancestors.

On Emancipation Day, the ministry and its agencies have organised Augus ’Mawning Market starting at 6:00am at the Festival Village at the National Arena. Later on Emancipation Day, Jamaica will crown the National Festival Queen at the Festival Village from 6:00 pm.

On August 2, there will be the Jamaica Praise & Gospel Star Final Show starting at 9:00pm again at the Festival Village at the National Arena. On Thursday, August 3, there will be the very popular Mello-go-roun — featuring the best talents from this year’s Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Programme — at the Festival Village at the National Arena.

On Friday, August 4, the Government will host Reel and Come Again (Film Night in the Village) at the Festival Village at the National Arena. On Saturday, August 5, the ministry and its agencies will host Old Skool Party – the School Uniform Edition at the Festival Village.

The Independence Grand Gala will be centre stage at the National Stadium on Sunday, August 6, beginning at 5:30pm. This, is in addition to the hosting of the Independence street dances in parish capitals.