Last Thursday night, Saint Lucia took the spotlight in the UK’s financial capital. The temperature in London Blackfriars peaked in a warm November, on the 12th Knot Rooftop of Sea Containers. The theme was business chic, as the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) brought together creatives, global stars, travel industry professionals, cultural educators, and patrons of Saint Lucia to mix and mingle over conversation, wine, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails.
Why, you might ask? In just six months, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival will draw patrons to the island, where the arts will welcome visitors to pour into Saint Lucia’s economy — and the hearts of its communities.
And why London? Following London’s World Travel Market, what better place to announce the inclusion of one of the UK’s most celebrated and enduring musical performers — Beverley Knight, MBE. The MOBO and Olivier Award-winning artist attended the evening and expressed her excitement for her forthcoming performance at the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2026. Knight’s inclusion was announced alongside that of Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Tems and Saint Lucia’s own musical icon, Ronald “Boo” Hinkson.
Also present on the night was Saint Lucia’s Olympic champion and Tourism Ambassador, Julien Alfred, whose warm charisma and pure spirit mirror those of so many Saint Lucians. The island’s people truly are its greatest asset. Saint Lucian entrepreneurs and creatives of the diaspora were in attendance, including Laura Henry-Allain, MBE, Tanya Edwards, Annaliese Dayes, and Curmiah Lisette.
With the SLTA aiming to further promote community tourism and Saint Lucia’s creative industries, there is hope that momentum will continue to build — honouring grassroots initiatives that provide lasting development for local artisans and foundational cultural education for Saint Lucia’s people. Tourism, especially during times of global tension, requires earnest storytelling, a nation of people who know their roots and their power, and perspectives that nurture connection. After all, the travellers Saint Lucia seeks to attract for community tourism to flourish are those who wish to learn and honour culture — not those vulturous of it. Those who come for her story, to find or see themselves in it; to understand our unique yet shared history; or to embrace our difference, found in our Kwéyòl identity.
Hosted by Jazz FM’s Tony Minvielle, the evening featured speeches from SLTA Chairman Thaddeus Antoine and CEO Louis Lewis, who hinted at the island’s growing reputation as a wellness destination, alongside its already striking allure for romance, adventure, the arts, and its vibrant Kwéyòl culture.
Together with SLTA’s Director of Global Marketing, Dexter Percil, Alfred selected a lucky winner for SLTA’s raffle — two tickets to Saint Lucia via British Airways from London Gatwick, with on-island transfers, five nights at The BodyHoliday, and even a stop for local bread along the Micoud Highway in Thomazo.
Boo Hinkson and Christa Bailey wound down the night with smooth and sultry jazz renditions and up-tempo sounds of the Caribbean that drew the crowd front-stage in gentle waves of two-step and singalong, fostering genuine connections on this night of networking.
The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2026 will run from April 30th to May 10th. Tickets go on sale in January 2026, with more stars yet to be announced for its celebrated themed nights — Opening Night, Kingdom Night, Pure Jazz, World Beats, Caribbean Fusion, and The Ultimate Celebration, as well as its dynamic Arts & the City programme.
Images – Google
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