All systems are a go for The Grand Cultural Celebration and the Declaration of Republic and Installation of the President slated to start at 8PM | 7PM (ect) on CaribVision. (For channel number in your area visit www.caribvision.tv/channel-access/

The cultural celebration features the debut of the newly-reconstructed National Youth Steel Orchestra which has 100 plus pan players aged 8 to adults. Under the musical direction of Lowrey Worrell, the orchestra will play many of the traditional Bajan favourites as we celebrate the island’s 55th year of Independence and usher in our historic Parliamentary Republic.

The Steel Orchestra will be performing in Independence Square.

We move over to Heroes Square where the crème de la crème of Bajan talent including the likes of Biggie Irie, TC, Edwin, Peter Ram and more will be performing with a band under the leadership of musical director Dr. Nicholas Brancker.

Around 11 p.m. the attention will turn to the officialdom. The ceremony and pomp will see the Installation of our first President, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason. Present will be His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall who arrived on the island last night.

After the President is installed and Barbados is officially declared a Republic at the stroke of midnight, a spectacular fireworks display will go off at three significant locations.

[Also Streaming LIVE on www.facebook.com/caribvision)