Minister of Information and Culture, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange (left), admires the work being carried out on the Independence float, 'Finding Wi Riddim', by Camille Davis (right), leading actress and craftswoman. The minister was, on Wednesday, touring the Independence Parade and Grand Gala Float Production Workshop, located at the West King's House grounds. Accompanying the minister were (in the background from left), Hugh Nash, chairman of the JCDC; Lenford Salmon, production manager of Jambiz International - producers of the Float and Grand Gala, and Saragh Lakasingh, vice-chairman of the JCDC. Standing beside the minister at right is Debra Collins, trade marketing manager, Jamaica Biscuit Company. - Contributed

This year's Independence Day celebrations will see the return of the float parade and grand gala.

Minister of Information and Culture, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, made the announcement on Wednesday during a media tour of the Float Production Workshop at West King's House grounds. The minister said the spectacle is expected to be bigger than carnival.

Under the theme 'Riddim in Motion', the event will begin at noon on Independence Day, August 6, with 10 floats, costumed groups and novelty acts travelling from the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, through Half-Way Tree, down Marescaux Road and to the National Stadium.

Free for all

One of the main features of the parade will be a 'free for all' costume group, which will travel behind the Byron Lee and the Dragonaires music truck. This group will be opened to all Jamaicans who wish to join in the parade, wearing their own black, green and gold outfits. However, Minister Grange asked that those participating in the 'free for all' costume group be dressed in what she termed "family-friendly outfits", as they show off any combination of the colours of the Jamaican flag.

She advised, however, that those wishing to be a part of that costume group would have to register at the Social Development Commission offices on Camp Road, beginning Monday, July 28.