News

The 42^nd Annual National Children’s Festival of the Arts (NCFA) came to a thrilling close on 10-11 April at the Harquail Theatre, with primary school students from 15 schools presenting an exciting array of performances at the final concerts. The event featured an impressive collection of gold and silver award-winning acts, including dance, song, speech, and instrumental performances.

The festival’s closing celebrations also included a final concert on 5 April in Cayman Brac, where both secondary and primary students took the stage to showcase their performances. This marked a heartfelt end to the festival for the Brac community as they witnessed talented young performers sharing their cultural and artistic expressions.

Mark Ray, Director for the Department of Education Services, shared his thoughts on the final evening of the festival, saying, "We are witnessing the future stars of our community. The dedication of our schools and private institutions in nurturing these talents is evident. The time and effort put into these performances is immense, and if we want to help these young people shine, we must continue to invest in their growth. They deserve the opportunity to showcase their skills, take advantage of the doors open to them, and go far with their talents."

Mr. Ray also expressed his hope for next year’s event, saying, "One of the things I would love to see is more original creation. We need to understand our roots in order to shape our future. While I thoroughly enjoyed the performances of well-known local pieces, I would love to see our students create their own unique Caymanian works."

He extended his gratitude to all partners, including the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, Cayman Arts Festival, and the Harquail Theatre, as well as the parents and teachers who have been instrumental in supporting the young performers.

A standout moment at the concert was the remarkable performance by the Joanna Clarke Primary School Choir, who captivated the audience with a remixed version of the beloved Caymanian song "Munzie Boat."

Mr. Junior Hines, the school’s music teacher, shared insights into the choir’s preparation. "We held choir practice every morning from January leading up to the event," he explained. "The pieces were chosen based on what the students enjoyed, and I wanted them to connect with the music. I thought it was important to feature a cultural piece like 'Munzie Boat,' but with a creative twist. I wanted the students to present it in a fresh, unique way while still honoring its original essence."

The NCFA final concerts will be featured on CIGTV from 25-27 April 2025.

For more details about the National Children’s Festival of the Arts, contact DES Senior Customer Service Manager Kimberly Kirkconnell by telephone at 945-1199 or by email at DESSchoolEvents@gov.ky.