This year’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) has been hailed as one of the best stagings since its inception, drawing a record crowd that included an estimated 1,000 Antiguans and Dominicans residing in Antigua and Barbuda.
The 25th edition of the festival, held from October 24–26 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, celebrated Dominica’s vibrant music culture under the theme _“Pulsating Rhythms.”_ Organizers reported one of the largest turnouts in recent years, with a notable influx of visitors from Antigua — many of whom travelled to witness the highly anticipated Friday night performance by Antigua and Barbuda’s legendary soca band _Burning Flames._
Prime Minister Gaston Browne was among those in attendance, joining thousands of festivalgoers for the opening night that also featured _Masicka_ , _Steel Pulse_ , _Romain Virgo_ , _Triple Kay International_ , and _Midnight Groovers._ The crowd roared with excitement as _Burning Flames_ delivered an energetic set that blended classic hits with new rhythms, igniting national pride among Antiguans in the audience.
Saturday’s lineup maintained the momentum with powerhouse performances from _Vybz Kartel_ , _Spice_ , _Kes_ , _WCK_ , _Joé Dwèt Filé_ , _Asa Bantan_ , and _Ophelia_ , among others — blending reggae, bouyon, and soca into a night of pure Caribbean fusion.
The festival closed on Sunday with a star-studded finale featuring _Kehlani_ , _Bunji Garlin_ , _Fay-Ann Lyons_ , _Tiwa Savage_ , and _Kassav_ , along with local favourites _Signal Band_ and _Michele Henderson._ The final night was described by patrons as “electric,” capping off what many have called the most memorable WCMF to date.
Tour operators and ferry companies confirmed a significant increase in travel from Antigua ahead of the event, with tickets selling out early and accommodations at full capacity.
Festival officials credited the record attendance and world-class performances for reaffirming WCMF’s status as one of the Caribbean’s premier music festivals — and a cornerstone of Creole culture and unity across the region.