Bermuda National Events & Entertainment Committee Opens Public Consultation for Bermuda’s 2026 National Events & Entertainment Calendar
The Bermuda National Events & Entertainment Committee (BNEEC), established under the Ministry of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, is pleased to invite local event producers, cultural organisations, sporting bodies, creative practitioners, community groups, businesses, and stakeholders across Bermuda to review the draft calendar and submit their National and Signature Events for consideration for inclusion in the Bermuda’s first National Events & Entertainment Calendar.
The BNEEC invites event submissions that meet one or more of the following characteristics:
- National Events: Events of broad public significance, cultural, economic or historical relevance, wide community participation, or meaningful national impact - reflecting Bermuda’s heritage, values, and shared identity.
- Signature Events: Anchor experiences that elevate Bermuda’s profile, attract residents and visitors, drive economic activity, and deliver consistent, high-quality programming. These events typically serve as major pillars of Bermuda’s annual calendar.
The Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen K. Darrell, JP, MP, welcomed the call for submissions, stating: “Events and entertainment play a critical role in how we celebrate our culture, strengthen our communities, and position Bermuda on the global stage. This open call is about being inclusive and intentional - ensuring that our national and signature events reflect who we are as Bermudians, support local talent, and contribute meaningfully to our economic and cultural development. I encourage organisers across the island to bring forward their ideas and be part of shaping an exciting and impactful 2026 calendar.”
Chairwoman Melissa Looby emphasised the importance of broad participation: “Bermuda’s events and entertainment ecosystem is rich, diverse, and full of potential. By inviting submissions from all corners of our community, we are working to ensure that the National Events and Entertainment Calendar reflects who we are, what we value, and the experiences we want to share with residents and visitors alike. We encourage all organisers - large and small - to put forward their ideas and help shape vibrant years ahead.”
The BNEEC was mandated to design, coordinate, and deliver not only a consolidated Bermuda National Events & Entertainment Calendar for 2026 but annually thereafter with the goal of ensuring that the final schedule reflects Bermuda’s cultural, sporting, entertainment, and tourism priorities, while strengthening community engagement and supporting island-wide economic impact.
The Committee has presented the draft 2026 National Events & Entertainment Calendar to the Minister, which will be published for the first time in the coming months.
Submissions will help inform the Committee’s vetting and recommendations to the Minister, as the Calendar aims to showcase events that highlight Bermudian identity, amplify local creatives, promote inclusivity, support community development, and align with existing national policy frameworks - including the National Tourism Plan, National Cultural Heritage Policy, National Sports Policy, and the Ministry’s events and funding criteria.
Submissions will be reviewed using a transparent and inclusive process consistent with the Committee’s charge. Considerations may include:
- Cultural, historical, or community value
- Alignment with the National Tourism Plan’s focus on experience-rich, visitor-centric offerings
- Incorporation of Bermudian creatives, tradition-bearers, and local businesses
- Economic and social impact
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Youth engagement opportunities
Stakeholders may submit events through the BNEEC’s online form found here, including event description, proposed dates, location, organiser contact information, and any supporting information. General queries can be directed to bneec@gov.bm or visit www.gov.bm