Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) is undergoing a significant transformation as workers install a massive new stage in preparation for Carnival 2026, with government officials promising sweeping upgrades to both production infrastructure and the overall festival experience.
According to Antigua News Room, the update was delivered by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant at Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing, where he confirmed that construction of the new stage is already underway at the country's premier entertainment venue.
Merchant described the scale of the new installation as remarkable. "One of the comments about the new grand stage that has been procured by the government is that it's almost as big as ARG," he said, signalling a substantial leap in size compared to previous structures used at the ground.
Beyond the stage itself, officials are also planning to introduce an upgraded sound system as part of broader efforts to modernise the Carnival experience. Merchant confirmed the new audio infrastructure is expected to be in place for the festival.
The improvements form part of wider preparations for Antigua and Barbuda's annual Summer Festival, a beloved national celebration that draws thousands of locals and visitors each year for weeks of cultural activities, music competitions and street festivities.
Merchant noted that anticipation is already building among revellers as the season draws closer, with preparations advancing across the country.
The ARG remains the centrepiece of Carnival's marquee events. Officials expect the enhanced stage and sound infrastructure to significantly raise production quality and accommodate larger, more ambitious performances during the 2026 celebrations.
