Moonsplash in Anguilla

 
 

Moonsplash is one of the Caribbean’s most legendary music festivals, taking place each year at the beginning of March on the shores of Rendezvous Bay in Anguilla.

This iconic event has been bringing together musicians, music lovers and free spirits since the early 1990s.

It was all started in 1991 by Bankie Banx and Sheriff Bob Saidenberg. The plan was to create a moving music festival whose location would change from year to year.

Click play on the video below for the 2026 Moonsplash...

The very first Moonsplash was actually held on Sandy Island. Later editions were also hosted at Pinel Island in St. Martin and even St. Barts.

Moonsplash Festival at The Dune Preserve 2026

In 1995 Moonsplash moved the venue to its official home, none other than Bankie Banx's The Dune Preserve.

Since then, Moonsplash has grown into the oldest independent music festival in the Caribbean.

While the location changed, the intention for Moonsplash has never changed: it is a music-filled beach party, outdoors, at night under the full moon and stars.

Each year, it seems to get bigger and better too!

Moonsplash Festival 2026

What started as a smaller group of musicians and some spectators and "groupies" hanging out and jamming, has turned in to an event fit for a pre-concert by Jimmy Buffett one year. That's right!

In years following, a variety of musicians have come to perform and to listen: Duane Stephenson, Inner Circle, Gregory Isaacs, Bonnie Wailer, Toots & Maytals, John Mayer and Nas to name a couple (more on that later).

John Mayer and Bankie Banx at Moonsplash
(Photo credit: Larry Stott)

John Mayer showed up to Moonsplash in 2011. Talk about a Moonsplash bonus!

Another year, award winning rappers Nas and Q-Tip were in attendance.

In Anguilla, you just never know who you might bump in to!

In 2007 Jimmy Buffett came to The Dune in a planned pre-Moonsplash concert. This year was different for sure, as parrotheads took over The Dune! You can read more about when Jimmy Buffett was in Anguilla, here.

To understand Moonsplash further, first you need to be acquainted with the host (Bankie Banx) and the venue, his home - The Dune Preserve.

The Dune Preserve

Basically The Dune Preserve is a "dune house" (yes, similar to a tree house) made of old boats and wood.

View from The Dune Preserve

It has interesting nooks and crannies and levels of decks of which some are covered and some are uncovered. It is the biggest bar of its kind in the Caribbean, and it hasn't lost any of its personal, rustic charm.

This is all built on and around tall, wispy palms and the silky sandy dunes of Rendezvous Bay.

As for entertainment, first there is the impeccable view of Rendezvous Bay and St. Martin.

Second, this place crawls with musical talent led by your host, Bankie Banx.

See the video below for an exclusive look INSIDE The Dune and Bankie's villa with the legend himself, Mr. Bankie Banx.

Bankie's stage on the beach side is small and close, so you feel at home and the music feels personal.

Bankie Banx, the Moonsplash host

Bankie is an Anguillian who carved out a musical career that stems back over 30 years now.

He has produced albums over the years that are filled with original Billy Joel-type lyrics in that, they tell a story, written and sung by Bankie himself.

Bankie Banx performing at the 2026 Moonsplash

Bankie is a tall, slender man with intense brown eyes. His style is unique and often elegantly casual, shabby chic. Usually barefoot, you will usually find a cowboy hat or a wrapped sash atop his locks.

He's a welcoming person and seems to love a genuine impromptu musical collaboration, which often unfolds at The Dune - especially on a Sunday afternoon.

He is an artist who encourages art in others.

Bankie Banx 2025

I must stop here because this is what you find weekly at The Dune, Moonsplash is the annual big event.

So now, take what you know of The Dune and add the rest of this page to it and you will have more of a understanding of Moonsplash at The Dune Preserve in Anguilla.

Moonsplash in Anguilla

The festival usually lands on a weekend, with main acts up on Friday and Saturday, then the Sunday Beach Party to close.

The Sunday Beach Party is a must!

Starting in the afternoon, musicians, locals and visitors gather at The Dune Preserve for a full day of live music, beach vibes and spontaneous jam sessions.

Performers at the Sunday session often include a mix of international guests and Anguillian favorites.

Artists at Moonsplash 2026

During the afternoon we enjoyed performances from Mishka, the Moonsplash All Stars, Dennis Warrington and Island Pulse.

As the sun begins to set and the lights come on at The Dune, the atmosphere becomes truly magical. Musicians gather, instruments appear and the night often turns into an unforgettable jam session that can carry on well into the early morning hours.

Since the event started over 20 years ago, it's difficult to name all of the musical talent that has graced the stage.

Bankie sings with Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage in 2012

In more recent years Moonsplash can boast some rather large names in reggae: Inner Circle, Steel Pulse, Jah Cure, Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott, Marcia Griffiths, Bunny Wailer, Duane Stephenson, Gramps Morgan, and Tarrus Riley just to name some.

Mighty Mystic Performs - 2026

Since Moonplash is called Moonsplash, one can conclude that this event is held during a full moon, right?

Yes!

And to enjoy a full moon, one must be awake when?

At night, right!

So, if you are getting my drift, to enjoy Moonsplash, plan for a late late night. It takes place typically around the March full moon.

If you are already a night owl, good for you.

If you like to drift off around 10pm, then you will have to make an exception if you want to experience the best of Moonsplash.

Moonsplash on Friday and Saturday nights tends to kick off around 9pm. Many years the headliners play until the 3 o'clock hour. And yes, that is 3am.

Moonsplash - 2026

Here's the part to consider if you are no night owl: you are in Anguilla, what do you possibly need to do the next day other than laze on a nearly perfect beach under a palm tree? :-)

While Moonsplash requires a recovery period, it seems most find it worth it.

...and when it's all over,
Bankie's dog "Gypsy" sleeps until next year

It's a very cool vibe, magnificent sounds, for some it's a once in a lifetime-type event.

The setting is truly magical, at the beach, under the stars and a full moon.

Almost everyone in attendance is happy and carefree.

People return year after year for this event. Some even plan their vacation around it!