ANGUILLA--August Monday fete started at 4:00am in The Valley, where thousands of revellers followed the large bands and wended their way slowly, very slowly, to Sandy Ground where they arrived at 11:00am, the time when the band music was due to stop.
By midday, Sandy Ground could hardly hold any more cars and the beach could hardly hold any more people. Private motor boats and large party boats had been arriving from early morning from St. Maarten, St. Martin and Martinique, as well as other neighbouring islands. The biggest Caribbean Beach Party seems to be getting bigger than ever, and especially at the northern end of Sandy Ground Bay, where the large stage is set up; there was scarcely room to move. Performances continued all day on the stage with top artistes Destra and Bakanal Band from Trinidad and Tobago and Beenie Man from Jamaica. Also performing were Kerwyn Dubois and Farmer Nappy, both Soca artistes from Trinidad and Tobago. Bands included TVice, a Haitian zouk band and Asa Banton from Dominica. Small Axe Band from St Kitts as well as Exodus HD, Pantha Vybes International and De Movements, all from Anguilla.
Boat-racing enthusiasts were disappointed when no action was being taken to start the races, and organisers said the wind was too high to race. However, by 3:00pm, the wind was slightly down and so as to not disappoint the crowds, the A Class captains agreed to race. In all 12 boats took part and the race started at 3:30pm. The boats were back quickly with the high wind and came in to shore soon after 5:00pm. It was a close finish with Real Deal the winner, followed by Eagle, Sonic, De Treeand Light and Peace.
