The merry-go-round is back for Coney Island 2010.

Photo Credit: Digicel BVI

The merry-go-round is back for Coney Island 2010.

Photo Credit: Digicel BVI

For the second year running, Digicel BVI is collaborating with the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee to bring loads of fun to thousands of children and adults alike during the annual BVI August Festival.

The 2-week emancipation celebration officially opened at the Corrine Brewley Festiville in Road Town on Friday night, 24 July, and so too did the much anticipated and popular Coney Island rides. Hundreds of children have already visited the village over the weekend and had fun on the usual rides, including Round Up, Merry-go-Round, Space ship and Tilt-a-Whirl.

But this year, the Coney Island sub-committee, chaired by Mr. James Lettsome, has gone all out to make the Coney Island Village much more attractive and fun for all. The committee introduced three new rides for 2010, including the Dinosaur, Paratrooper and the feared Scissors, which has had the adventurous rider declaring "never me again!"

According to Lettsome, "We wanted to make the rides bigger and better this year. We know that everyone looks forward to Coney Island for festival, and my committee has worked tirelessly over the past few months negotiating with the owners in Puerto Rico to improve the quality of the rides and getting them here on time," he stated.

The Coney Island sub-committee chairman also used the opportunity to thank the Government of the Virgin Islands and major sponsor Digicel for coming together to make this year´s Coney Island possible. He said he was particularly pleased with the support from Digicel this second time around, especially in light of the global economic recession and many businesses cutting back on sponsorships and spending in general.

"Digicel recognizes the importance of being a part of the Territory's annual emancipation festival and could do no less than to support the activities again this year," stated Angela Burns, Digicel´s Senior Marketing Executive.

She said: "We came on board last year and contributed to the staging of a really great event that is still being talked about today. We reduced the price of the tickets and set aside special times for special needs children to ride free. This year, we are back, and the kids can expect even more fun at Coney Island. So we encourage all of the parents to bring their kids along every night and have a safe and enjoyable festive season."

Festival goers will also have the opportunity to benefit from specials from Digicel, the Bigger Better Network. Digicel is offering the Motorola EM30 at half price for only $80. Other phones available under the Digicel sales tent include the Nokia 1616 for $49 and the Samsung E1085 for $59. Promotional items, such as bandanas, neck totes and water bottles, will also be available.

The Coney Island Village opens nightly from 6:30. However, on Sunday 25 July and Sunday 1 August, the Kiddies Village will open at 5:00pm and children with special needs are invited to ride for free until 7:00pm.

Also on Wednesday 28 July, there will be a special for one hour from 7:30pm to 8:30pm - buy two tickets and get one free.

BVI Festival 2010 is being celebrated under the theme: A Colourful Cultural Jamboree; with the slogan: Celebrating our Freedom with Family and Friends, BVI Festival 2010.