The Soufriere Jazz Experience 2025 has officially been launched, with organizers promising an expanded weekend of music, culture and celebration that blends the elegance of jazz with the vibrant energy of carnival.
Speaking at the launch, Soufriere-Fond St Jacques Member of Parliament Emma Hippolyte expressed heartfelt appreciation to visitors and supporters who have helped shape the identity of the town over the years. “I want to take this moment to tell you that we are who we are because of you,” Hippolyte said. “Because you have visited Soufriere time and time again and you visit and we do not treat you as a guest. We treat you as family because we appreciate you and we know that together we are the people of Saint Lucia.”
She described Soufriere as a place of distinction and pride, telling patrons, “In Soufriere you visit God’s chosen place and you visit God’s chosen people. We are different and we are unique.”
Hippolyte also commended the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation and the Soufriere Events Management Committee for their consistent planning and delivery of high-quality events. “As I sat, we are seeing that they are deep into the planning,” she noted. “Can you imagine carnival is in July and we already have our contestants. That is significant planning and that is why we are the best, unsurpassed. That is why Soufriere Jazz Experience is the ultimate experience, and year after year we are surpassing the previous year.”
Executive Chairman of the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, Ernest Sam Augier, echoed those sentiments, describing Soufriere Jazz as a signature event with a long-standing reputation. “As you know, Soufriere Jazz has always been epic,” Augier said. “Soufriere Jazz has always been monumental in terms of the performance, the ambience, and the whole general atmosphere. And trust me, this year is not going to be any different.”
He praised the work of the Soufriere Events Management Committee, saying the team has “done a marvellous job over the years” and remains committed to delivering another memorable production. Augier revealed that this year’s event will introduce a new format by combining jazz and carnival into a single weekend experience. “We are combining the two efforts this year, the ultimate experience, which is jazz, and the vibe, which is carnival,” he explained. “Truthfully, this year, both jazz and carnival will be a package.”
According to Augier, the main jazz event is scheduled for Saturday, 2 May, but patrons are being encouraged to arrive earlier to fully enjoy the festivities. “We really want you to come to Soufriere for the weekend,” he said. “Friday night will be a serious vibe on the beach park, and Saturday, the ultimate.”
He added that visiting performers continue to be impressed by the quality and atmosphere of the event, noting that many foreign artists have described Soufriere Jazz as “the real thing, the real deal.”
With plans well underway and expectations high, organizers are confident that Soufriere Jazz Experience 2025 will once again deliver a world-class cultural celebration that showcases the town’s unique spirit and creative excellence.
