What Resilience Means to Us

Julien Allen
12 minutes ago
2 min read

Montserrat Festival UK – 30 Years of Resilience

A Legacy of Strength and Spirit

Resilience is more than just a word to Montserratians—It is a lived experience, a daily testament to our strength, faith, and unshakable spirit.

This year’s Montserrat Festival UK marks a powerful milestone:30 Years of Resilience since the eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano in 1995. It is a celebration, a remembrance, and a declaration of how far we have come as a people—shaped by hardship, lifted by hope, and bound together by culture.

Rising from the Ashes

When the volcano erupted, it wasn’t just buildings that were lost. Our capital, Plymouth, was buried in ash. Families were displaced. Futures were uncertain.

But in the face of devastation, our spirit never broke.

We stood together. We rebuilt. We adapted. Whether we remained on the island or found new homes across the globe, we carried Montserrat in our hearts—and kept our culture alive.

Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present

The theme "30 Years of Resilience" honours every Montserratian story:

The ancestors who survived slavery and colonialism
The families who stayed strong through economic hardship and natural disaster
The children and grandchildren who continue to carry the legacy forward

Through exhibitions like Trials, Tragedy & Resilience, we reflect on how adversity has forged our identity. Our national motto says it all: "A people of excellence, molded by nature, nurtured by God.”

A Festival Full of Meaning

This year’s festival is more than a celebration—it’s a homecoming. From the masqueraders and drummers to the calypso singers and chefs dishing out goat water and saltfish, every element tells a story of survival and pride.

It’s a space to share memories, build new connections, and honour the beauty and resilience of Montserratian culture.

Whether you're a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, you're part of this living legacy.