News Releases

Blue Devils and Super Blue meet at 'The Old Yard 2024' for A Carnival Masquerade Showcase

For Release Upon Receipt - January 30, 2024

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, January 30, 2024 – The Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA) at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) extends a warm invitation to the public for "The Old Yard 2024," an annual celebration of carnival traditional masquerade and heritage. On Sunday, 4th February 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Global Campus Quadrangle (Formerly The Open Campus) at Gordon Street, St. Augustine, transforms into the home of rich carnival tradition and masquerade revelry.

 As you step into the space, time rewinds, transporting you to the era of the barrack yard where traditional masquerade characters spill onto the gayelle to revel in the carnival. Fondly known as  'The Old Yard',  this year's theme celebrates 'The Year of the Blue,' featuring an array of traditional Carnival icons including Gorillas, Moko Jumbies, Jab Jabs, and many more. The highlight of the celebration will be the showstopping performance of an iconic Blue Devil’s Band out of Paramin. Patrons can also look forward to an array of local delicacies and beverages.

 Adding to the splendour, legendary Soca Icon, Super Blue, will heighten excitement in the gayelle with his energetic performance and captivating appeal. Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago are especially welcome to witness this unique and unforgettable Carnival event.

 Tickets for this much anticipated event are priced at $100.00 for adults and $60.00 for children, available for purchase at the event venue. For inquiries or reservations, please contact us via WhatsApp at 272-3232 or call 662-2002 Ext. #85455 (Monday - Friday). Alternatively, email Mrs. Roberta Quarless-Hart at Roberta.Quarless-Hart@sta.uwi.edu.

 Event Significance:

 The Old Yard 2024 is more than a carnival event; it represents the University’s recognition of the importance of carnival arts and cultural heritage as shown through the work of the Department of Creative and Festival Arts. The DCFA continues to play a key role in preserving and showcasing arts and cultural practice and performance through events such as these. The event remains committed to demonstrating the importance of the arts within the university community and by extension, to the region. Join us in this celebration of heritage, culture, and the arts at The Old Yard 2024.

 End

 Blue devils at The UWI's Old Yard 2013 

 

  Minstrel at the UWI Old Yard 2023 

 

Blue devils at the UWI Old Yard 2023

 About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

Contact