Let me get right into our discussion. What are some of the plans for Fete Royal 2016, scheduled for Saturday evening at the college?
This is the third year since we took over the reins of the fete and I can assure you that this year is going to be an unforgettable year for our patrons. Our theme is Welcome to Royalty and we intend to treat our patrons as such; from the time they arrive to the time the event is over. We have added to our food menu, which our patrons raved about in the last two years, and have increased the size of our food court making it even more accessible. And to top it off we are having a Queens and Kings Chambers where women and men will be treated like royalty in these two royal pavilions.
So what has caused you to make these changes?
We have to keep tweaking the product, we want our patrons to have a new experience every year. We are still in our rebranding phase and as such, the 2016 event is the first of our five-year story. Our patrons must leave the College feeling ‘wow what an experience’. This will ensure the event is a success financially and once that is achieved, we can continue to meets the College’s demands for assistance to improve the overall experience at the College for the students.
What are these needs?
Queen’s Royal College requires our assistance if it is to continue producing well-rounded students and scholarship winners. For Fete Royal 2014, the QRC OBA along with the principal, Mr Simon, were instrumental in getting the computer lab totally upgraded. We could not cover this expense alone, so through the kind assistance of Republic Bank the Lab was completed. The OBA works silently all year round assisting the College in many ways through financial support for ongoing co-curricular activities and request for assistance for the College. Our next major investment in the college is helping to generate the funds needed for the renovation of the Science Block. This we are working on with other stakeholders such as the Local School Board and the PTA. The science block is now 76 years old, yes 76 years old, and in dire need of repairs. So funds derived from the profits of Fete Royal 2016 Welcome to Royalty will go towards this project.
What is the relationship between the Old Boys’ Association and the PTA?
The QRC OBA is in its 82nd year, which means we are the longest serving stakeholder to the College. The PTA is the other major stakeholder of the College so we work together for the common good of the College and its students’ population.
We are constantly in contact and we share information. We communicate with all parents and from the response this year to Welcome to Royalty, its looks as if we will be a sold out event. I urge patrons, especially those who were at the last two years’ events, to get tickets now before it’s too late.
Let’s talk fete now; what about the entertainment?
The bands are Kes the Band featuring Kees Dieffenthaler, Asylum Vikings, featuring Bunji and Fay-Ann, followed by Roy Cape, featuring Blacks and Ricardo Dru. Olatunji Yearwood adds to our “Royal” theme as he’s the King of Groovy. We also have a special ‘young’ man making an appearance to keep the vibes alive. In addition, Lyrikal has been added to the cast. Our DJs are two of the best, Alicia d Duchess and Nuphoric.
It seems that QRC has really transformed itself on its return to the Fete scene?
Yes we have and that’s why we are appealing to our past supporters and new supporters to come and have a new and exciting experience. We want our patrons to have a great time, enjoy their drinks, the great music and the variety of foods and go home feeling satisfied. We want to exceed their expectations. Royalty has reigned.
Secured parking arrangements are in place around the venue at Tatil Car Park and we take this opportunity to ask patrons to park their vehicles in a responsible manner to avoid any unnecessary wrecking.