The sights and sounds of the Gombey will return to the spotlight next weekend at the 2019 Bermuda International Gombey Festival.This year’s event, hosted by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, will feature panel discussions, a documentary, an open mic night and the festival showcase, which will include five troupes demonstrating their skills.Lovitta Foggo, Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, urged the public to come together in celebration of the event.She said: “The Gombey is undoubtedly our most iconic cultural symbol. “Its history is reflective of Bermuda’s blend of African, indigenous peoples, Caribbean and British cultures. “In recent years, the popularity of the Gombey Festival has grown considerably, and we have enjoyed expanding the festival events to provide continued exposure to our folk art traditions and cultural heritage.”Ms Foggo added: “All of the events are free to the public and are aimed to be engaging. So, next week we hope to see as many people as possible supporting these events.”The Bermuda International Gombey Festival will run from October 10 to October 13 and will include a range of events including:• Gombeys in the Gardens Community Art Project. Between October 10 and October 12, the Chewstick Foundation will be continuing work to install art depicting Gombeys on the side of the Jack King Building at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens.• Bermuda Folklife Documentary: Traditional Bermuda Games and Crafts.On October 10, the Specialty Cinema will screen the documentary which focuses on traditional games and crafts that entertained Bermudian children. The screening will begin at 6pm and free tickets are available at specialtycinema.bm.• Dance of the Diaspora Discussion.On October 11, the Leopard’s Club will host a round-table discussion on the impact of the African diaspora on the dance, drum and dress of the Bermuda Gombey and the historic links between Bermuda and Africa. The discussion will begin at 5.30pm.• Bermuda International Gombey Festival Showcase.This year’s showcase will be held on October 12 at Bermuda Botanical Garden’s main ring, starting at 5pm and concluding at 9pm.• Ayo! Open Mic! Presented by Nadanja.On October 13, Place’s Place will host a “night of pure creativity” sponsored by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs with live music, poetry and dance.