For Immediate Release – Monday July 7th, 2025 – St. John’s, Antigua……

Antigua & Barbuda’s iconic Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) is rapidly transforming into Carnival City, the epicenter for Antigua Carnival 2025.  During an on-site inspection by Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports & Creative Industries, Ms. Petley O’Keiffe, Director of National Festivals, and Mr. Everton Barnes, Editor of Point Express, a first-hand look at the upgraded venue and its enhanced safety, accessibility and patron-experience features was done.

“Every adjustment we make, whether widening a gate or adjusting the position of the stage, is about enhancing the experience for patrons by providing a Carnival that is safer, more inclusive and absolutely unforgettable,” said Minister Matthew during the walk-through.

Key Upgrades Unveiled and Noted during the Walkthrough 

Streamlined Access and Traffic Flow: A newly widened gate will now serve as the primary backstage entrance for parking and service vehicles to enter the grounds. This move eliminates the need for vehicular traffic through the vendor’s courtyard within ARG. Furthermore, during Panorama, where larger trucks require access to the backstage area, this gate will reduce the wear and tear on the outer field.

Protecting the Historic Cricket Pitch, all vehicular movement across the cricket square has been prohibited. Only foot traffic and select seating (e.g., for Queen of Carnival) will be permitted, ensuring ARG remains an international-standard practice venue post-Carnival.

Stage Redesign for Superior Sound, the main stage has been adjusted, dramatically improving acoustics and expanding audience visibility. Lighting and sound installation will be completed by 10 July, ahead of “Aunty Claudette Kiddies Fete” opening, which will be our first Carnival City-sanctioned event on 13 July.

Modern Backstage Facilities, featuring a state-of-the-art change room facility and a redesigned backstage layout, will replace last year’s individual change room facilities, which were separated by secure fencing to ensure performer privacy and efficient crowd management.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Glass & Cans: To safeguard patrons and the playing surface, glass bottles and canned beverages are strictly prohibited. Vendors must serve drinks in paper cups; non-compliance will attract fines or removal.

Venue Operations Command Centre (VOCC), the former media building has been re-commissioned as the command post staffed by Emergency Medical Services, Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, Security, Red Cross and the Central Board of Health, providing real-time monitoring and rapid-response capability.

Expanded Vendor’s Courtyard & VIP Amenities, a carefully laid out Vendor Village complete with benches, a big-screen for viewing, and all-day activities will keep Carnival City buzzing even on rehearsal days.

Title sponsors will host an upgraded VIP lounge, while décor teams drape the Andy Roberts Stand in Carnival colours, and a 3D “Antigua Carnival 25” selfie spot will be the focal point for capturing the experience.

What’s Next, Infrastructure works conclude in mid-July, after which focus shifts fully to final rehearsals and show production. Upcoming highlights include:

• 13 July – Claudette Peters – Kiddies Fete
• 17 July – Calypso Semifinals
• 18 July – INET Party Monarch Semifinals
• 25 July – 5 August – Main Carnival Season

“Antigua & Barbuda deserve a Carnival of world-class calibre,” Minister Matthew added. “Thanks to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and our Sponsors, coupled with the meticulous planning of the Antigua Barbuda Festivals Commission and the National Festivals Office, a united team, Carnival City is almost ready to welcome the world.”