Wednesday, May 19^th, 2010 – At a Press launch held today Wednesday at the House of Culture, the National Celebrations Commission (NCC), announced the schedule of official events for this year’s National September celebrations.

This year marks the 29^th Anniversary of our Independence and the 212^th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye. For the second consecutive year, the Official Opening Ceremony of the September Celebrations will be held at St. George’s Caye on Sunday, August 29^th, 2010.

Francis Reneau's concert is set for Friday, September 3^rd, whilst this year's Carnival King and Queen Competition as well as the Queen of the Bay Pageant will be held on September 4^th. Saturday, September 11^th is the Carnival road march.

A Tribute to Belizean Patriots is scheduled for September 16th. September 17^th is the Children's Rally and later that evening is the Pan Yaad Concert at the House of Culture. Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19^th is the BCCI 2010 Expo and the National Ecumenical Service is scheduled for that same evening.

The "National Collection": 29 artists, 29 works, 29 years, will take place as part of the National Celebrations. The National Collection will begin a nation–wide tour in June and will visit five districts before returning to Belize City. The exhibition will be on display for two weeks at each venue.

On the 15^th of September, the NCC is introducing the "Night of Young Patriots" where schools from across the country are invited to present traditional and original pieces reflecting Belize's patriotism and national pride. Both categories of the song competition– Patriotic and Carnival was opened yesterday, Wednesday and entries should be submitted by June 30^th for a winner to be chosen on August 21^st. The Theme competition also opened yesterday and entries should be submitted by June 18th. The winner will receive a $1000 cash prize.