Antigua and Barbuda is set to welcome a new national faith-based event with the launch of the National Easter Festival 2026, scheduled for April 4–6, organisers announced.

The three-day festival is being spearheaded by the Irene B. Williams Secondary School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), in collaboration with Peetron Music, the National PTA Association, and So Arise Music International. Organisers say the initiative is designed to celebrate music, faith, youth talent and community, while raising much-needed support for schools across the country.

The festival will officially open on Friday, April 4, with the National School Choir Competition, Secondary School Edition (Dress Uniform Edition). The event will bring together secondary school choirs from across Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting vocal excellence, discipline and musical artistry. The winning choir will receive a $7,000 prize package, making the competition one of the most anticipated school-based music events for the Easter season.

On Saturday, April 5, gospel music takes centre stage with the Praise Break Gospel Quest, a lively and inspirational gospel competition aimed at uplifting audiences and encouraging musical ministry. The top performer or group will be awarded a $10,000 prize package.

The festival will conclude on Sunday, April 6, with a grand gospel concert titled “Joyful Noize,” featuring a dynamic showcase of praise, worship and musical expression from gospel artistes and ministries.

Beyond entertainment, organisers have emphasized that the National Easter Festival is a charitable initiative with a long-term vision. Each year, the festival will adopt and support a selected school, contributing to infrastructure, resources and other critical needs. For its inaugural year, proceeds and assistance will be directed to Irene B. Williams Secondary School, helping to address key necessities at the institution.

Plans are also in place to expand the initiative annually, with different schools being adopted in future years as part of a broader effort to strengthen educational development nationwide.

A formal proposal is expected to be submitted to the Festival Commission, and organisers are optimistic that the event will receive strong national support.

Members of the public are encouraged to save the dates and look out for further announcements, as additional details will be released in the coming weeks.

The National Easter Festival 2026 is being positioned as a new tradition, one that brings together faith, culture and community in support of a worthy national cause.