Bristol Wines and Spirits, served over 33 types of wine at this years event. 'We had a wonderful selection of wines from around the world, allowing flavours to suit everyone’s palette,' stated Jevon Butler, Bristol Wines and Spirits GB Manager.
On a chilly night in Grand Bahama supporters of The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) turned out in strong numbers to enjoy fine wines, art and wonderful cuisine.
"It's been a wonderful evening and the young artists and students have been so impressive," said Karin Sanchez, GB BNT Chairman.
The festive event for the Grand Bahama National Trust, held at the Rand Nature Centre, is the annual fund-raiser for the local trust and helps them with special projects for the three local working parks.
"This year's funds will help us finish the upgrades at the watchable wildlife pond at the Rand Nature Centre and ongoing management of both Lucayan National Park and the Rand Nature Centre," noted Sanchez.
Left to right: Robbie Butler, Bahamian Brewery and Beverage, Philip Carey, Freeport Airport Company, Wayne Rassner, Savemore food store, Lakaii Knowles, Guest Artist, Veronica Dorsett, Artist, Eric Carey, Chairman BNT, Karin Sanchez, GB BNT Chairman, Maquelle Monroe, Guest Artist, Shawn Thurston, Freeport Container Port, Jevon Butler, Bristol Wines and Spirits, Aaron Hanna, Guest Artist, Linda Osborne, Unexso, Cecila Bodie, GB BNT, Sarah Kirkby, Barefoot Marketing, Event Coordinator. (Kikko Forbes, Guest Artist, not shown)
This year's event centred on the talented youth of Grand Bahama. Five young graduates showcased their art work: Aaron Hanna, Veronica Dorsett, Lakaii Knowles, Maquelle Monroe and Kikko Forbes co-headlined the guest artist exhibition.
"I am very thankful to the committee for this opportunity tonight," noted Aaron Hanna, "this is a wonderful venue for me to showcase my work and I've even sold a few pieces, it's a real honour."
Dorsett work shows Bahamian Leadership History.
The youth were also out in force with this year's High School and College Culinary Competition. Students arrived early and were very excited to show off their cooking talents.
"The guests are just as excited as the students, I actually had people making sure I knew who their favourite was," said Cecilia Bodie, GB BNT Adminisrator.
Participating schools were Grand Bahama Catholic High School, Eight Mile Rock, St. George's and the College of The Bahamas.
The Student Chef Noel winner, which is voted by the guests, will be announced later in the week.
Of course all of this was complemented by a fantastic selection of fine wines, which were flowing courtesy of Bristol Wines and Spirits.
"We have a wonderful selection of wines from around the world, allowing flavours to suit everyone's palette," stated Jevon Butler, Bristol Wines and Spirits GB Manager.
"It was very pleasant, beautiful weather, and such a nice group of people," noted one attendee. "I was very impressed by the student chefs who tried so hard, and the food was delicious. I loved the inside auction set up by Unexso and I was blown away by the work of Veronica Dorsett."
Pictured are the St. George's students who served wonderful delicacies all night, including well loved Guava Duff.
The continued success of Festival Noel has also been due to the support of additional sponsors who help make this event possible. Savemore Food Store, Cool 96, Freeport Advertising & Printing, Baham-ian Brewery & Beverage Co., Unexso, Freeport Container Port, Grand Bahama Airport Company, and Freeport Har-bour Company gave financial assistance that ensured that each ticket sold was 100 profit profit for the trust.
"Freeport Container Port is inspired by the 16 years of relentless fund-raising efforts of organizers of Festival Noel," said Sherry Brookes, FCP Corporate Affairs Manager, "and in part the sacrifices being made by committee members and other stakeholders, to ensure that Grand Bahama is a clean, green place to reside!"
