Unlike its usual traditional style, this year’s Independence Festival of Choirs will take on a new theme.

Lola Kirby-Chair of the committee for the staple event shared with state media all the changes.

“This year if you notice we are no longer at the regular places that we would go. We are now going over to SASS (St. Anthony’s Secondary School) Auditorium. The reason for this is normally we would be doing it in a church and this year, we are going to introduce our folk segment, and we wanted choirs to feel comfortable to perform as well,” Kirby explained.

Kirby mentioned it has been a struggle in the past few years to get choirs to be a part of the event but is hoping that with these new twists, more contemporary choirs will sign up.

She did however share which groups will be performing on October 29.

The Swetes Men’s Choral, the National Choir of Antigua and Barbuda, Ottos Comprehensive School, a calypsonian medley, SASS choir, the Good Shepherd and St. Georges Anglican churches, Police, Inland Revenue Choir and Richie Pelle and the Encounter will all be featured on that night.

For those music lovers who may not be able to attend due to transportation issues, transportation will be provided to and from the venue.

Pick-up will be at the war memorial on Independence Drive between 7 and 7:45 for a fee of $5.

Kirby is inviting the public to support.

The staple event under the theme ‘Together, let us sing’ forms part of the week-long celebrations for the nation’s 43rd anniversary.

It is free admission, but food and drinks will be on sale.

It starts at 8 pm.