The completion of a new state-of-the-art stage and roof system at Carnival City

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Antigua Carnival 2026 is taking centre stage with the completion of a new state-of-the-art stage and roof system at Carnival City, representing one of the most significant investments in the country’s entertainment and creative industries infrastructure in recent years.

The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has confirmed that the installation of the massive stage structure is now complete, placing preparations for the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival well ahead of schedule and setting the stage for a new era of world-class entertainment in Antigua and Barbuda.

The new stage measures up to 115 feet in length and 50 feet in width and is currently configured at 105 feet by 50 feet, making it one of the largest and most advanced staging systems in the Eastern Caribbean. Designed for flexibility, the structure can be adapted to accommodate a variety of events while maintaining integrated technical capabilities, including speaker towers, video screens, motor walls, and other production infrastructure beneath the roof system.

During a recent walkthrough of Carnival City, Prime Minister Gaston Browne praised the progress made and underscored the broader significance of the investment.

“This goes beyond Carnival. We are building out the creative industries that can make our people competitive in a global society,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister noted that the stage will not only serve Carnival but will also become a national asset capable of hosting major cultural, entertainment, and international events, including activities surrounding the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Minister of Creative Industries and Carnival Dwayne George described the achievement as the result of months of dedication and teamwork by the ABFC and its partners.

“I am so proud and happy to be working alongside my ABFC team. It is a solid, competent team. The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to deliver Antigua Carnival as a world-class production truly touches my heart. It is a lot of work, and I am pleased to be working alongside them, doing my part,” George said.

ABFC Chairperson Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul said the Commission is now shifting its attention toward the next phase of Carnival City’s transformation.

“We are well ahead of schedule with the build-out of Carnival City. The stage and roof are complete, and our next focus is enhancing the overall venue in keeping with the Prime Minister’s vision for the space,” she said.

The stage and roof system were erected by Sound 2000, with local technicians receiving practical training throughout the installation process, helping to strengthen the country’s technical production capacity and build local expertise.

Sound 2000 Managing Director Earl “Churchie” York described the new structure as a game-changing investment that positions Antigua and Barbuda at the forefront of regional entertainment production.

“Antigua can now boast of having the largest and most modern stage and roof system in the Eastern Caribbean. Its design allows it to be configured into three different sizes while maintaining all major technical components under one roof. With proper maintenance, this investment can serve the country for the next 10 to 15 years. Antigua is leading the region,” York said.

Over the weekend, the ABFC hosted a comprehensive site inspection involving Prime Minister Browne, Minister George, members of the ABFC Board and management team, officials from the Ministry of Works, and representatives from the Antigua Recreation Grounds.

During the visit, the Prime Minister directed that further enhancements be made to Carnival City to create a more attractive and comfortable experience for patrons. Planned upgrades include improved seating, enhanced lighting, public art and murals, landscaping, and other aesthetic improvements designed to elevate the venue into a premier entertainment destination.

The completion of the stage marks a major milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of Carnival City and reflects the government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports culture, tourism, and the creative economy.

As work continues across the venue, anticipation continues to build for Antigua Carnival 2026. More than just preparing for another festival season, the country is creating a lasting legacy that will benefit generations of artistes, performers, technicians, and patrons.

With the stage now set and Carnival City rapidly taking shape, Antigua Carnival 2026 is poised to deliver a bigger, bolder, and more spectacular experience than ever before.