Anguilla News


New Year’s Eve at Sandy Ground, The Way To Start the New Year

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More New Year’s Even Celebration News from Anguilla…

Never let it be said that Anguilla is a quiet place, at least not on New Year’s Eve. There is a fabulous party going on at just about every restaurant on the island, many complete with midnight fireworks.

From low-budget rock ‘n reggae for the young to high-end “black tie” (well, not really that formal), Anguilla has a party for all tastes, ages and budgets.

Pumphouse, of course, just wouldn’t be Pumphouse without hosting a tasty dinner and then what most assuredly will be a wild and crazy evening. The menu sounds outstanding, and reasonably priced, as you can see…

Pumphouse New Years Eve

And even if you choose to dine elsewhere, the young and young-at-heart can do what many do after their “starter event” has struck midnight. Head down to Sandy Ground and scream “hi” to Laurie and Deb, owners of Pumphouse.

Dance to the sounds of reggae masters, Versatile Vibes. One of Anguilla’s top DJ’s, DJ Sugar, will carry you the rest of the way, but you’ll have to carry yourself home!

$10 cover charge after 10PM includes free glass of champagne, party hats/favors/noisemakers (whee, yippee!). We’re not sure that Pumphouse ever needs noisemakers, let alone on the eve of the New Year, but what the hay! 😉

The other addition in our New Year’s coverage is also in Sandy Ground. Ripples, hosted by “grande dame” Jackie Ruan, offers an amazingly priced menu for what promises to be a delicious-value meal…

Ripples New Years Eve

And as the menu says, “then it’s time to party.” Sandy Ground does turn into one huge party, with Elvis chipping in a few thousand decibels and hundreds of fans overflowing into the street.

All in all, not a bad place to party until you drop. What better way is there to see the New Years in (if you can take the pace)?

What’s that, you say?

“A good movie at home after a delicious meal with friends and a round of Auld Lang Syne,” no matter where seeing it in happens? I have a feeling Janice and will be agreeing with you on that.

It’s usually home for us, soon after da’Vida’s fireworks for “Janice and Ken.” You’ll probably run into Yuki and Nori, though down on Sandy Ground. Do give us a ring if they cause any trouble. 😉

More Options for Old Year’s Night (AKA “New Years’s Eve” Outside Anguilla)

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What the rest of the world calls it “New Year’s Eve,” we refer to is as “Old Year’s Night.” Is December 31st a day to be looking back, to savor achievements and reflect on what could have been done better? It seems to us that January 1 is the day to look forward to the year that is coming, to set goals.

Either way, Anguilla has loads going on. We covered Anacaona in an earlier post. Here are 3 more options for those on-island during the “high season”…

Cuisinart continues its tradition of legendary celebrations at both Le Bistro at Santorini and at Tokyo Bay. And please note…

While the recently launched “Anguilla Card” (from Anguilla-Beaches.com) does not normally cover 10% discounts for special events, CuisinArt (an Anguilla Card Partner) is extending 5% off to Card Holders for its Tokyo Bay celebration (more info on The Anguilla Card here)…

Cuisinart New Years Eve
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A third option is da’Vida, which is offering a full 10% to Anguilla Card Holders for its extravaganza, which is our usual Old/New Year’s hangout. Mom and Dad fade at midnight, but the girls head out for more, the night still young…

da'Vida's New-Years-Eve
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Ah, youth! Young or not-so-young, there’s a wonderful evening for all in Anguilla while the “old year” becomes “the new.”

Enjoy! And Happy New Year!

The 1st Annual Pumphouse DaddyRoots Reggae Festival

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If you’re in Anguilla on December 29th, here’s a one-of-a-kind event that belongs on your “don’t miss” list…

The Pumphouse is inaugurating its 1st Annual DaddyRoots Reggae Fest on Sunday, December 29th, 2013. If you’re into reggae, this is the place to be. If you’ve yet to discover the joy of its rhythms and lyrics, it’s also THE time to learn!

Pumphouse Reggae Fest

DaddyRoots, world-famous reggae artist, is the headliner. But check out the poster to see the all-star lineup of local reggae musicians…

Bankie Banx, DJ Legend, True Intentions, Sprocka, Versatile Vibes, Connis Vanterpool.

This is a festival that is full of headliners! No doubt, this is going to be one unforgettable, fest of an event during this festive season.

And, in the spirit of festive giving, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales goes to “The DaddyRoots & The Pumphouse Music Scholarship Fund.” Proceeds from the fund go toward a young, local and highly talented musician to further his/her studies in the musical field.

Judges from Anguilla and Los Angeles select the deserving recipient. So spread the good tidings. Tell your your friends, tell your families!

Reggae fanatic or novice, head for the Pumphouse on the 29th.

DaddyRoots’ Roots

Born in Anguilla, DaddyRoots was a regular performer at The Pumphouse before making a name for himself internationally. He went on to thrill audiences in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

His music has been chosen for numerous films, including the movies “On Falling”, “Broken Flowers” starring Bill Murray and the BBC Lifetime Movie “The Fugitive”. Three of his songs were chosen for the 2011 Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston movie, “Just Go With it”.

Winner of Best Reggae Male Vocalist in the 2006 L.A. Music Awards, Daddy Roots has also been nominated for a host of other awards including the Hollywood’s HMMAwards in 2012 for Best Reggae Song, “Sunshine.”

Be There or Be Square

This is going to be the type of show where you’ll be excited to say, “We were there.” Doubtless, like Woodstock, there’ll be many more making that claim who can fit in The Pumphouse.

Advance tickets are only $12 and $15 at the door. For more information or to reserve your tickets (and we suggest doing it fast), call…

264-497-5154 or 264-584-8912

You can reach the Pumphouse, a true Anguilla institution, at its Facebook page and at Twitter.

The First Annual South Hill Christmas Experience

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Don’t you love “1st year traditions”? Be there for one when South Hill starts its very first “Christmas Experience.”

 

If you’re on-island, get a taste of “The Real Anguilla” on December 19. Starting at 10AM, it runs the entire day.

You can’t miss it if you’re in the area. Simply head to the field across from Greig’s Trucking, near LaVue Boutique Inn.

True old-time Anguillian cuisine will be prepared in a genuine, old-fashioned oven. Built especially for the Experience, it’s sure to be the star of many Christmas’s to come in South Hill.

An original way to spend an hour or two (or 8), join in the fun with the South Hill community. There will be entertainment, bread baked in the rock even and even bouncing castle for the kids. Bring gifts if you like and delight the kids.

Merry Christmas from South Hill!

Anguilla New Years at Anacaona’s Firefly Restaurant

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Anacaona’s Firefly Restaurant’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations sounds like it’s going to be a Reggae blast.

It all starts at 7:30 PM with Lobster Bisque, Three Bean Salads, local organic arugula salad, summer salad and conch fritters.

Chef Kevin Paul slips into high gear with a feast fit for a king, buffet style! Meats include…

  • Caribbean Spit Roasted Pit
  • Grilled Chicken Breast
  • Oven Roasted Prime Rib
  • Pan Roasted Rack of Lamb

Prefer seafood? How about some or all of the following?…

  • Freshly Grilled Deep Water Red Snapper
  • Grilled Jumbo Prawns
  • Grilled Crayfish

Side Dishes (seasoned rice, oven roasted Yukon potatoes, grilled veggies, cinnamon flavored plantain and vegetarian lasagna) round it all out.

An assortment of desserts wraps dinner up.

And then, it’s on to the “Concert on the Lawn” for dancing to the stylings of Omari Banks (Banx Eleven) and the new reggae hit on-island, Tru Intentions Band.

Champagne at midnight, of course.

At US$100 per person, this sounds like a good mid-priced way to welcome 2014. Arrive starving!

Reservations are STRONGLY suggested. Call 264-497-6827.