Grand Bahama Welcomes the World to the West End Bootleggers & Seafood Festival
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grand Bahama Welcomes the World to the West End Bootleggers & Seafood Festival
Annual celebration showcases Bahamian cuisine, maritime heritage, rising culinary talent and live entertainment in historic West End
NASSAU, Bahamas (22nd Oct. 2026). Travellers from around the world are invited to experience the flavours, stories and cultural traditions of Grand Bahama when the Third Annual West End Bootleggers & Seafood Festival returns to the Artis Neely Grounds in West End on Saturday, November 28.
Hosted by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the festival will offer an immersive evening of Bahamian cuisine, music, culture and culinary creativity. The celebration honours West End’s historic role in the movement of rum during the American Prohibition era and its enduring identity as a fishing and seafood community.
Seafood will take centre stage, giving visitors an expansive taste of Grand Bahama. The menu will feature Bahamian fried fish, lobster, cracked conch, seafood cakes, seafood pizza, conch fritters, lobster spring rolls and other local favourites.
“West End’s story is deeply connected to the sea, and this festival brings that history to life through the food, culture and creativity of the community,” said Jackson Weech, Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. “Its maritime heritage and compelling connection to the Prohibition era reveal another dimension of Grand Bahama for international visitors, while creating opportunities for local businesses and emerging culinary talent. This is tourism rooted in place, with Bahamian communities sharing traditions that are unmistakably their own.”
From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the festival will offer six hours of warm community spirit, vibrant entertainment, exceptional seafood and authentic cultural experiences in the area affectionately known as the “Best End” of Grand Bahama. This year’s celebration is supported by Bristol Wines & Spirits, The View, Grand Bahama Power Company, Carnival and the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board.
The programme will also showcase the next generation of Grand Bahama’s culinary talent. The Junior Chefs culinary experience expands this year from three schools to four, with students from Sir Jack Hayward High School, St. George’s High School, Eight Mile Rock High School and Bishop Michael Eldon School preparing dishes live at the festival. For $15, guests can sample creations expected to include Bahamian fried rice, sweet and sour conch, fish glazed with guava, lobster spring rolls, Conchy Joe rolls and Gully Wash. Additional dishes will be announced.
West End’s bootlegging history will be celebrated through the Bootleggers Mixology Competition. Bartenders representing local establishments will demonstrate their skills before lead judge Ramon Webb, a Grand Bahama native and winner of last year’s competition. Separate categories for residents and visitors will invite participants to create cocktails at the festival using local ingredients and rum supplied by event sponsors.
Live music and cultural performances will continue the celebration into the evening. The programme will include music from a live DJ, dance performances by Olivi’A Entertainment and the vibrant sights and sounds of a Junkanoo rush by the West End Conquerors. Featured performers will include Lil Joe Cartwright & The Trouble Band, Phase 4 Band, Larry Johnson & The Island Vibes Band, Rycon Bahamas, Shine242 and Kirkland Bodie. A Visitors Mystery Basket Challenge and culinary demonstrations by secondary school students will complete the experience.
At its heart, the West End Bootleggers & Seafood Festival offers international visitors an authentic way to experience Grand Bahama through a community whose relationship with the sea has shaped its cuisine, history and way of life. In West End, these stories remain a living part of the community’s character, creating a meaningful connection to the people and heritage of The Bahamas.
For more information, visit www.bahamas.com.
###
About The Bahamas:
The Bahamas comprises more than 700 islands and cays, including 16 distinctive island destinations. Located just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, the country offers international travellers an accessible escape with exceptional fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. Discover why It’s Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or follow The Bahamas on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Media Contacts:
Rissie Demeritte
Director, Global Communications
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Joshua Robins
Manager, Domestic Communications
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
jrobins@bahamas.com