Latest news with #HomecomingFestival


Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
George 'Fiji' Veikoso Tributes Pour in After Singer's Death Reported
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Tributes have poured in for George "Fiji" Veikoso following reports of his death. He was 55 years old. The Fijian musician was adored by fans for his contribution to Polynesian music, and co-wrote the theme song for Baywatch: Hawaii. Veikoso was scheduled to perform at the Homecoming Music Festival in Fiji in September. On Thursday, the festival's Facebook account shared news of his death. "It is with a heavy heart we mourn the loss of George 'FIJI' Veikoso who has passed away suddenly today," it said. "As we deal with the immense sadness for our beloved George 'Fiji' Veikoso, a legend whose music united generations, and whose spirit uplifted many around the world." George "Fiji" Veikoso is pictured in an Instagram photo. George "Fiji" Veikoso is pictured in an Instagram photo. Instagram "As we take this moment to honor his life and legacy, we ask for your patience and understanding at this difficult time. We will provide an update regarding the Homecoming Festival soon. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with George Fiji Veikoso and his Family, Friends and Fans as we all grieve together with the sudden loss of the King of Island Reggae!" Hawaii News Now reported that the singer died on Wednesday in his home nation surrounded by family. Chair of the Fiji Performing Rights Association and fellow Fijian singer Laisa Vulakoro told ABC Pacific: "He's the biggest artist that ever came out of Fiji and the Pacific. He made Fiji proud — his name is Fiji." "He started something very distinctive — the way he combined Fijian music into reggae while keeping traditional themes... chants, vude, vanua, identity — he took Fiji music to another level. We all emulated him," she added. "He was an amazing, amazing human being. My biggest idol. I'm really, really sad today." Polynesian Music's Facebook account added: "Fiji was more than an artist. He was a movement, a voice for the people, a light in the dark. There was, and always will be, only one Fiji. His music wasn't just something we listened to. It was something we lived through. It was the soundtrack to our childhoods, our family parties, our car rides, our quiet nights, our celebrations, and our heartbreaks." This is a breaking story and will be updated.

The National
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Citizens Theatre to reopen after 7 years with free events
A BELOVED Glasgow institution is set to open after redevelopment with a community-led procession through the area. The Citizens Theatre is reopening after seven years, with plans for special performances and an opportunity for visitors to explore the revamped venue. On August 23, two giant puppets inspired by Greek theatre goddesses Melpomene and Thalia will lead a procession of residents, performers and musicians as they escort the characters of Comedy and Tragedy to their theatrical home. READ MORE: BBC denies editing Irish language out of new CMAT song The theatre's doors will then be thrown open for a weekend-long open house, where visitors can enjoy free access to workshops, pop-up events and the main stage. Catrin Evans, participate director at the Citizens Theatre, said: "The Homecoming Festival is inspired by our fantastic new building which we know so many people are keen to get inside – but it's also about so much more. "It's about reconnecting with our neighbours, welcoming new voices, and celebrating creativity itself as a form of home-making. We're offering a range of activities so that everyone and anyone can step into the Citizens Theatre, try something new, take themselves on a journey and feel that this space belongs to them." From August 28 to September 5, the Homecoming Festival continues with guided tours, taster workshops, and special events. Then, on September 12, live performance makes a return with Small Acts of Love, a new play by Frances Poet, featuring music by Deacon Blue's Ricky Ross. READ MORE: Heritage groups join forces to save rundown studio owned by former renowned designer October will see the opening of a new 150-seat Studio Theatre with productions by the theatre's community groups, including Close by the Young Co and Making Your Mark by the Citz Community Collective. Executive director Kate Denby added: "The Citz has always been a theatre for the people of Glasgow – this Homecoming year invites everyone to be part of our next chapter." A host of funders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council, supported the Citizens Theatre's redevelopment. For full event details, visit
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
2025 HARLEY-DAVIDSON HOMECOMING® FESTIVAL REVS UP MILWAUKEE
Dates Announced for 2026 H-D Homecoming Festival MILWAUKEE, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The four-day 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming® Festival immersed the Milwaukee region in music and moto-culture July 10-13, drawing thousands of enthusiasts to Veterans Park, the Harley-Davidson Museum, Harley-Davidson Headquarters and Davidson Park, and to local Harley-Davidson dealerships. The annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming® Festival represents a commitment by Harley-Davidson to its hometown community and a way to promote this vibrant region. Next year's annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming® Festival is scheduled for July 9-12, 2026, in Milwaukee. Some key highlights of the 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming® Festival include: Veterans Park on the Milwaukee Lakefront – Chris Stapleton Rocks the Main StageChris Stapleton played to a sold-out crowd on the main stage following performances by additional acts including Turnpike Troubadours, Sierra Ferrell, 49 Winchester, The Droptines, ÖOF TATATÁ, and other artists to close out the event. The Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Shows featuring pro riders Axell Hodges and Takayuki Higashino thrilled onlookers on Friday and Saturday. Unfortunately, due to severe weather in the area, Harley-Davidson had to end Friday's show earlier than hoped. Due to the shortened performance schedule, all 1-day Friday tickets purchased through official festival ticketing agent Front Gate Tickets will receive a full refund and all 2-day tickets purchased through Front Gate Tickets will receive a 50 percent refund. "The decision to evacuate Veterans Park early on Friday was not made lightly, but safety is always our top priority — for our riders, our fans, and our employees," said Theo Keetell, VP of Marketing. "We knew weather would become a factor later in the evening and made the call early to ensure everyone had time to seek shelter and get off the roads safely. Protecting our community comes first, always." The Harley-Davidson Museum/MilwaukeeOn Thursday night the Harley-Davidson Museum hosted the Official Harley-Davidson Homecoming® Festival Kickoff Party and Military Appreciation Day, featuring a free concert performance by Buckcherry on the Harley-Davidson Museum Rockford Fosgate® stage. More than 15,000 motorcycles and more than 32,000 attendees visited the Harley-Davidson Museum during the run of the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival to experience the Ives Brothers Wall of Death Stunt Show, the V-Twin Visionary Custom Motorcycle Showcase and many more activities. Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations/Menomonee Falls, enjoyed a self-guided tour of engine assembly and machining at Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations in the Milwaukee suburb of Menomonee Falls. A wide selection of 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were available for free test rides. Harley-Davidson Headquarters/Juneau Avenue, MilwaukeeA guided Juneau Avenue Historical Tour through and around the current company Headquarters that once served as the original manufacturing factory was enjoyed by guests. Juneau Avenue was also the starting point for the Women's Ride on Saturday morning in memory of "the first lady of motorcycling" Nancy Davidson and supporting the Cancer Research Institute™. Davidson Park, the outdoor community hub created by the Harley-Davidson Foundation, hosted a relaxing oasis for riders with free music, an antique motorcycle show, and lawn games. Harley-Davidson Dealership EventsSix Milwaukee-area authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships hosted events and entertainment during the run of the Harley-Davidson Homecoming® Festival. Those dealerships include House of Harley-Davidson (Greenfield), Milwaukee Harley-Davidson (Milwaukee), Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson (Thiensville), Uke's Harley-Davidson (Kenosha), West Bend Harley-Davidson (West Bend), and Wisconsin Harley-Davidson (Oconomowoc). Visit and follow @hdhomecoming on Instagram and Facebook to be the first to know about the 2026 lineup, tickets, and more festival updates. Assets from throughout the weekend can be found at About Harley-DavidsonHarley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at Editors: For more information regarding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and products visit: Media Contact: Homecomingmedia@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Harley-Davidson

Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bristol's annual tradition, Homecoming, returns this weekend
BRISTOL — The Bristol Homecoming Festival continues a century-old tradition this weekend. While the exact start date remains a mystery, many believe the tradition began in 1883, making this year 142nd anniversary, having only been paused twice — during the year of World War II and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's Bristol Homecoming Festival promises an array of exciting activities for everyone. The festivities kick off on Thursday evening and include the queen pageant. Rides, concessions, crafts and food at Congdon Park begin at 5 p.m. Thursday is also Wristband Day, with rides unlimited for $25. Otherwise, ride tickets are $1.25 each. There will be live music by Surf Inc on the Main Stage from 7-9 p.m. The park closes at 10 p.m. The Miss Bristol Homecoming Queen and Bristol Homecoming Teen Queen pageant will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 10 at Bristol Community Church. This year, 11 young women of Elkhart County will compete in two divisions: the Teen Division for contestants aged 13-15 and the Miss Division for those aged 16-22. Each contestant will bring her unique talents and spirit to the stage, all hoping to earn the coveted crown. TEEN DIVISION * Ruth Boomershine, Electric Pineapple * Avery Wilson, Evan's Sidewalk Cafe * Elizabeth Kantz, Bristol Fire Department * Noelle Fry, Camille's of Bristol MISS DIVISION * Kloe Mills, TruBeauty Salon * Breanna Wormuth, Bailey's Auto Parts * Shalom Boomershine, Electric Pineapple * Gabbee Kantz, Bristol Fire Department * Jaylin Binkley, Bristol Police Department * Keelee King, Beulah Missionary Church * Julia McClimon, Barrick Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Beyond the prestige of representing Bristol, both the Miss Bristol Homecoming Queen and Bristol Homecoming Teen Queen will earn the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Indiana State Festival Association Pageant later this fall. The contestants will also be participating in a variety of fun-filled events throughout the Bristol Homecoming Festival this weekend including at the Bristol Homecoming Parade. On Friday evening, the park opens again with rides, concessions, crafts and food. Children's activities sponsored by One20 Church begin at 5 p.m. at Congdon Park. There will also be a pulled pork and coney dog sale at Tri-State parking lot sponsored by the Masonic Lodge. The tractor pull begins at 5:30 p.m. on Elkhart Street, from Apollo Street to Washington Street. There will also be a food booth provided by St. Mary's Knights of Columbus and a Job's Daughter's bake sale both at the tractor pull. From 7-10 p.m. Groupies Wanted will perform live at the Main Stage in the Gazebo at Congdon Park. The park closes at 11 p.m. The final day of the Bristol Homecoming celebration brings a full day of activities, starting at 7 a.m. with breakfast at Bristol Community Church, 201 S. Division St., until 11 a.m. Adults are $8, kids under 12 are $4 and those under 5 are free. Coney dogs and pulled pork are for sale at the Masonic Lodge beginning at 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Parade registration is from noon to 2 p.m. at Bristol Church of the Nazarene. Judging of the parade is at 1 p.m. and the Bristol Homecoming Parade itself begins at 2 p.m. During the parade, the Knights of Columbus food booth will be in St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, and strawberry shortcakes will be available, free limit one per person, at St. John's Episcopal Church. After the parade, the rides, concessions, crafts and food open at Congdon Park. At 4 p.m., the Quilt of Valor will be presented at the Main Stage gazebo, and at 4:30 p.m. Steve's Gym will have a tae kwon do demonstration. From 4-9 p.m. there will again be children's activities sponsored by One20 Church. There will be live music from 7-10 p.m. by The Super Kools at the stage. The voting for the Eastern Star Cutest Baby Contest ends at 6 p.m. and the winner announcement will be made at 8 p.m. at the gazebo. At the same time, on the Main Stage, there will be a boy and girl bike giveaway, sponsored by the concessions on food row. Fireworks will begin at dark. The park and festivities end at 11 p.m No pets will be allowed in the park and no alcohol will be permitted. Sponsors include the American Legion Post #143, BAJA Amusements, Niblock Excavating, Virgil Provisions, Alliance Sheets, Bristol Self Storage, C.F.B. Inc., Bill Evans Insurance and Elkhart Gravel.