Uptown Market Association announces rebrand

The Uptown Market Association has rebranded itself Up!

The group will hold its first major event since its relaunch with the Culture Fest party on Court Street on Sunday from 5-8pm.

Chairman Steven Simons said the new name is “candid and concise”.

He added: “We wanted to rebrand. We have a new board and a new energy with the same strategic plan that might be tweaked.

“The name might be catchy enough for people to embrace.”

Mr. Simons said the organisation, which represents interests in the North Hamilton area, did not have to rebrand but the board believes the new name might push Up! forward.

Challenges

He added: “We thought it would be a good idea. There have been challenges the Uptown Market has faced.

“There is no ease without struggle. Just like the first seed in the ground has to struggle to come through to become a flower and the butterfly has to be a caterpillar first, so is the evolution of Up!”

Changes include the organisation becoming more involved in the community.

Mr. Simons said: “There are a lot of messages that need to be disseminated and somebody has to get out there and tell the truth.

“There’s going to be a lot of backlash against truth but if you get out there, express your feelings and are sincere, people are going to recognise that.”

Promoter Gina Spence said Up! is “beyond excited” about hosting Culture Fest prior to Cup Match. She added: “It’s a great opportunity for us as a rebranding organisation to do something meaningful.

“We’re networking with the Cup Match extravaganza committee in terms of entertainment. Leading up to Cup Match this year, Bermudians are going to be excited on this block.”

The stores on Court Street are involved in helping ensure this is a success.

 Ms Spence said: “This is just the beginning and we can’t go any other way but up with what we are trying to do. This is a lot of work and commitment but it’s worth it.”

Culture Fest is already helping foster pride in the community with people volunteering to help clean up.

Ms Spence said: “They like to see us bringing positive things to their community.”

Headlining the event is Christian singer Troy Anthony. The Bermudian artist is based in London but was brought back to reach out to the community.

Ms Spence said: “Troy is definitely the guy for this. We asked who the people were interested in listening to. He has a very strong following and a powerful message with his own story.

“When they see him, they see themselves. If you want to know what hope looks like, Troy is it.

“That is what the excitement is about — the networking of businesses and coming together as one voice and one community.”

Style

Another highlight of Culture Fest is a competition for the best Cup Match outfit with Up! offering a $1,000 prize.

Entrants will strut their stuff on a red carpet on Court Street.

Ms Spence said: “The judges will judge according to style, personality and creativity. Bring it and you can win some cash before Cup Match.”

The new board will make special presentations to the first UMA board, including Elmore Warren, chairman; Mr. Simons, vice chairman; Clinton Muhammad, associate vice chair; Michael Bradshaw, public relations; Roseann Wales; Sherma Simmons; Pearl Smith, no portfolio; William Spriggs, consultant, and Mary Bia-dillah, interim secretary.