City Partners With Mastercard: Taste Of Bermuda

The City of Hamilton said they are “excited to partner with Mastercard on this year’s Taste of Bermuda” adding that “as the major sponsor, Mastercard’s Flavours program will bring a unique culinary experience to the festival.”

A spokesperson said, “This exciting partnership underscores the festival’s growing reputation and international appeal, bringing new opportunities to spotlight Bermuda’s rich culinary culture.

“Taste of Bermuda – presented by Mastercard’s Flavours program is set to take place from October 17th to 20th and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Bermuda’s vibrant food scene. The festival will showcase the island’s diverse culinary talent through a series of unique, multi-sensory experiences designed to blend time-honored traditions with the latest culinary trends.

City CEO Dwayne Caines expressed his enthusiasm for this significant partnership, stating, “We are incredibly proud to welcome Mastercard as the lead sponsor for Taste of Bermuda 2024. This collaboration not only highlights the increasing reach and international recognition of our festival but also paves the way for future growth and expansion. Mastercard’s support strengthens our confidence in the festival’s continued success, and we are excited to see how this partnership will elevate the event, creating lasting memories for all who attend.”

Other Taste of Bermuda partners this year include Bacardi Limited, Exclusive Group of Companies, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Burrows Lightbourne Ltd. and Barritts. The City is also delighted to collaborate with Cambridge Beaches for this year’s festival to extend the festival’s offerings with their exciting kick-off event on Thursday, October 17th.

Clarence Hofheins, General Manager, Cambridge Beaches said, “Participating in Taste of Bermuda is a remarkable opportunity to showcase the diverse and innovative culinary offerings that Bermuda is known for. We are thrilled to collaborate with our esteemed partners, Azura and Burrows Lightbourne, to bring a unique dining element to this event.

“Together, we are dedicated to becoming a staple of Taste of Bermuda, consistently bringing fresh and exciting experiences to the table. We believe this event has the potential to evolve into a cornerstone culinary festival, attracting both locals and visitors with its vibrant celebration of Bermuda’s gastronomic excellence. Our hope is that more food and beverage venues will join us in making Taste of Bermuda a truly collaborative event, one that not only reflects our island’s rich culinary traditions but also cements its place as a top destination for food lovers worldwide.”

The spokesperson added, “The City is thrilled to once again partner with PTix for event ticket sales. Tickets for Taste of Bermuda – presented by Flavours Mastercard will be available in the coming weeks. The event offerings for Taste of Bermuda 2024 are as follows:

Two Culinary Masters, One Unforgettable Night: Taste of Bermuda Kickoff

• “Date: Thursday, October 17th, 2024
• “Time: 6:00pm
• “Location: Cambridge Beaches
• “Reservation Information: restaurantreservations@cambridgebeaches.com

“Description: Step into a world of culinary excellence as we launch Taste of Bermuda at Cambridge Beaches. This is more than just an event; it’s an unforgettable experience where two of the culinary world’s finest chefs come together for one night only. Begin your evening with an elegant cocktail reception, setting the stage for a remarkable 5-course dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

The Art of the Pour: Bartending Competition

• “Date: Friday, October 18th, 2024
• “Time: 7pm – 11pm
• “Location: Bacardi Headquarters Lawn
• “Tickets: Tickets will be available in the coming weeks.

“Description: The City of Hamilton will once again team up with Bacardi to bring you Bermuda’s premier cocktail competition, hosted at Bacardi’s prestigious global headquarters. This year, Bacardi has reimagined the beloved bartender competition, inviting 15 of Bermuda’s finest bars and restaurants to vie for the title of Bermuda’s Best Cocktail. From local favorite watering holes to world-renowned hotel bars, establishments from around the island will showcase their creativity and mixology skills across multiple categories. Competitors will battle it out for top honors, including Best Cocktail by Establishment Type, Best Cocktail by Spirit Type, Most Creative Cocktail, and the coveted Grand Prize of Best Cocktail. This is a premium, adults-only event, so gather your friends for an evening of sophisticated sips and culinary delights. Your ticket includes complimentary welcome cocktails, canapés, and samples of all the showcased drinks. Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of Bermuda’s vibrant cocktail culture at the iconic Bacardi Global headquarters! Attendees are encouraged to drink responsibly and make alternative arrangements to get home safely. This event is for those 18yrs and over – ID required.

City Hall All-White Ball: Dining Experience

• “Date: Saturday, October 19th, 2024
• “Time: 7pm – 10pm
• “After Party: 10pm – 12am
• “Location: City Hall Lawn
• “Tickets: Tickets will be available in the coming weeks

“Description: Escape to an evening of stylish elegance at the City Hall All-White Ball. Don your most dazzling white attire for an unforgettable moonlit dining experience on the grounds of City Hall. Start the evening off with a cocktail hour, 3-course meal with wine pairings, and enjoy an evening of captivating entertainment showcases, including a specially curated showcase from performing arts organization, Troika. This year will also feature an exclusive menu designed in collaboration with the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Close the evening out at the After Party with a nightcap and dancing against the grand backdrop of City Hall. This is an experience you don’t want to miss! If you know… you know! This event is for those 18yrs and over – ID required.

Tasting Village: Festival of Flavours

• “Date: Sunday, October 20th, 2024
• “Time: 12pm – 6pm
• “Location: City Hall Car Park and Front Lawn
• “Event Entry: Free
• “Food & Beverage Tokens: $3 & $6 [vendor list will be announced at a later date]
• “Advance purchase will be available on PTIX.bm

“Description: What better way to culminate the Taste of Bermuda weekend festivities than by sampling the best of Bermuda’s culinary delights at the Tasting Village? This open air food festival will be the ultimate gathering of mouthwatering multi-cultural fare. Featuring cooking demonstrations by local and international chefs, a range of live entertainment, a cocktail corner, food eating competitions, and a signature kid’s zone . Bring the whole family or gather your foodie friends for the Festival of Flavours – the Taste finale!

“Entry to this event is free, however, vendors will be selling food and beverage items by our token system, to allow the vendors to focus on expediting the service side to their patrons. To avoid lines at the token booth, at the festival, we recommend purchasing in advance $3 and $6 tokens for food and beverage samples. Vendors will be selling these food and beverage samples at prices in increments of $3 e.g. $3, $6, $9, $12, etc. Token collection at City Hall will be available prior to the event [date tba] and at the token booth at the event.

“To apply as an interested chef for cooking demos on the culinary stage, click here. To apply to become a vendor at the Tasting Village click here.

Acting Mayor Councillor Dennis Tucker said, “Good morning, everyone, and welcome. Hamilton is not just the heart of Bermuda; it’s a city that thrives on connection, culture, and creativity. These values are brought to life each year through the events we host, with the Taste of Bermuda festival being one of our most highly anticipated and celebrated events. This festival has grown to become a cornerstone of our city’s cultural calendar, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the diverse and vibrant culinary scene that Bermuda is so proud of.

“Taste of Bermuda is more than just a food festival. It’s a celebration of who we are—a community that takes pride in our traditions while embracing innovation and new ideas. It’s a time when our local talent shines, when businesses of all sizes come together, and when residents and visitors alike can experience the rich flavors that define our island.

“The festival also plays a significant role in our local economy, supporting our restaurants, vendors, and hospitality industry, while drawing attention to the creativity and expertise of Bermuda’s culinary professionals. This is a time when our city comes alive, with streets filled with the sounds, sights, and aromas of this vibrant celebration.

“Today, we’re here to share some exciting news about this year’s festival—news that will take Taste of Bermuda to new heights and bring even more opportunities to our community.

“Without further ado, I will now invite the CEO of the City of Hamilton, Dwayne Caines, to share the big news with you. Thank you.”

City of Hamilton CEO Dwayne Caines said, “Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today.

“Before I begin, I would like to thank the Acting Mayor for his welcome remarks and also take a moment to thank all of our community partners who are making this festival possible, including Bacardi Ltd., Exclusive Group of Companies, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Burrows Lightbourne Ltd., Barritts, and Cambridge Beaches, many of whom are represented here today. Your continued support is invaluable – showcasing the power of collaboration. And together, we are setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration of Bermuda’s culinary excellence.

“As CEO of the City of Hamilton, I’m thrilled to announce a partnership that promises to elevate one of our most anticipated annual events—Taste of Bermuda.

“Today, we are proud to name Mastercard as the lead sponsor for this year’s Taste of Bermuda festival, now officially presented by Mastercard’s Flavours program.

“This partnership is not just a significant milestone for Bermuda’s premier food festival but also a testament to its growing reputation and international appeal.

“This collaboration is more than just a sponsorship—it is a partnership rooted in shared values and a mutual commitment to excellence. Mastercard’s involvement underscores the increasing reach of Taste of Bermuda, paving the way for future growth and expansion. Their support strengthens our confidence in the festival’s continued success, and we are excited about the new opportunities this partnership will bring.

“The City of Hamilton’s Taste of Bermuda – presented by Mastercard’s Flavours program will take place from October 17th to 20th, and this year’s festival promises to be our best yet. From the kickoff at Cambridge Beaches on Thursday October 17th, where culinary masters will create an unforgettable dining experience, to the highly anticipated The Art of the Pour bartending competition at Bacardi Headquarters on the Friday night, we are curating a series of events that showcase the diversity and creativity of Bermuda’s culinary talent.

“On Saturday, we’ll host the elegant City Hall All White Ball, where guests can enjoy a fabulous dinner under the stars, complete with live entertainment and a specially curated menu in collaboration with the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. And to wrap up the weekend, the Tasting Village: Festival of Flavours will transform the City Hall Car Park and Front Lawn into a lively street festival, offering a family-friendly day of food, entertainment, and fun.

“As we look ahead to October, I invite everyone—locals and visitors alike—to join us in celebrating the unique flavors that make Bermuda special. Whether you’re a food lover, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys good company and great experiences, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Taste of Bermuda. Event tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks.

“In closing, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to Mastercard for their partnership and to all who have contributed to making this event a reality.

“Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you all at Taste of Bermuda 2024 – presented by Mastercard’s Flavours program.”

#CityFoodFestival #CorporationOfHamilton #Cuisine

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