Date set for Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence Dinner and Dance in Toronto

Toronto, ON –The Antiguan and Barbudan Association of Toronto in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, proudly announces its 44th Independence Dinner and Dance, a signature cultural celebration bringing together the Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora and friends in Canada.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Toronto Grand Convention Centre, 30 Baywood Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9V 3Z2. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the formal program beginning at 7:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to dress in elegant attire for this evening of celebration, culture, and community.

The event has been made possible through the support of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s Canada Office. Director of Tourism for Canada Tameka Wharton explains why the Authority continues to support the event annually.

“Our mandate is to grow the number of Canadians who visit Antigua and Barbuda, and one of the best ways to do that is for our people in Canada to spread the word about our beautiful islands to their friends and colleagues in Canada. Therefore, we take every opportunity to meet with and support the Antigua and Barbuda diaspora across Canada,” she said.

Association President Selma Alincy said attendees can expect a vibrant program highlighting music, culture, and the spirit of independence.

“This year we have some very special guests from Antigua and Barbuda that will be present for the celebrations. In addition to the return of Claudette “CP” Peters, who is celebrating 25 years in the industry, we have other up-and-coming artists who have been making waves back home. We’d like to thank the Tourism Authority for making that possible,” Alincy said.

The Dinner and Dance will feature live entertainment by Antigua’s Soca Diva, Claudette “CP” Peters, backed by the Disturbance Band, along with Drastic, Menace, Island Prince, and Soca Villian, the 2025 Carnival Road March champion..

Wharton said the Tourism Authority was pleased to be sponsoring the entertainment for a second consecutive year, and particularly to be exposing the younger acts to an international audience. She noted that the Authority will also be facilitating this year’s featured speaker, Director of Culture and Hells Gate Steel Orchestra Arranger Khan Cordice.

Tickets go on sale from August 29, 2025, and advance ticket purchasers will have a chance to win a stay at the newly renovated Hawksbill Hotel along with other Tourism-sponsored door prizes.

• Advance tickets (before September 30, 2025): $120.00

• Regular tickets: $130.00

For tickets and further information, please contact 647-202-6935 or email abatevent@gmail.com.

Join us as we celebrate 44 years of Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence in grand style — an evening of elegance, entertainment, and national pride.