On The Last Lap!

It’s the climax weekend of the Festival! The Crop Over is winding down, but there are a few more events to go.  Two of these events being the Roberts/BL&P Foreday Morning Jam and Bridgetown Market in association with FLOW attracting loads of visitors from all over the world.

The Roberts/BL&P Foreday Morning Jam has become increasingly popular over the past few years to both our local, regional and international patrons.  This year there will be a few changes to spice up this early morning cool jam to spring Garden making it so much more exciting.

Event Producer David ‘ZigE’ Walcott said, just under 50 bands are expected to be on the road tonight moving off from the three starting points – Queens Park, BIDC Car Park and the BTI Car Park at 11:00 p.m.  He added that bands must stick to their designated assembly times to ensure that everyone completes the routes and has a great experience on the road.

At a press conference held recently, long time sponsor Roberts Manufacturing announced that they would be doing things a little differently this year.  Mr. Adrian Yarde, Senior Manager, Logistics, Farm Service and Retail, Roberts Manufacturing said that they are realigning their sponsorship and concentrating their efforts on the development of the Foreday Morning Jam and moving away from a focus on the truck as they have done for a number of years.

With this change the usual revellers’ truck both tonight and on Grand Kadooment day, will be sponsored by First Choice Sound Systems with their new ‘King of the Road’ band.  Mr. Adrian Boyce, Managing Director of First Choice Sound Systems said that recognising the significance of this truck to the people who either cannot afford a costume or just prefer the freedom of this option, it was easy decision to come on board.

Sponsor of the Foreday Morning Jam, Barbados Light & Power is extremely excited about their third year taking part in this event. Mr. Bryan Reece, Safety Administrator, BL&P confirmed that they have put measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable jump for the masqueraders. He noted that there will be lighting towers that will illuminate the various routes of the Jam and a new BL&P zone with special stage lighting, which will run between Carlisle House and the Bridgetown Fisheries.’  BL&P was also responsible for the trimming of the trees along the route to ensure that they are no unusually dark areas.

Another one of the major events that attracts people from all walks of life down to spring Garden on the final weekend of the festival is the annual Bridgetown Market. Now with its new sponsor FLOW, this huge street fair has been rebranded to offer fun, knowledge and a true essence of Barbadian Culture. Event Producers Keith Squires and Annette Nias described this year’s market as being more vibrant and exciting with the many various activities in store.  In addition to the usual traditional activities like the Craft Village on the playing field, for the very first time Bridgetown Market in association with FLOW will host a water festival complete with various water sporting rides/activities and other attractions like the glass bottom boat, lion fish and turtles.  This festival will take place on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.

For all those persons who enjoy old fashion condiments there will be a chattel house displaying cultural items for people to tap back on to history’s page.

Bridgetown Market is a family event, so the children have been included in this massive street fair.  There will be a 10 minute FLOW Circus show, catering to the young ones and maybe even the young at heart, presenting The Clowns as an act on the main stage from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. and again at 4:00 p.m.

Considering a healthier lifestyle? Well this Healthy Living Zone is yours to explore! Patrons can learn more about the lifestyle and about traditional medicines.  There will also be free health checks available for those who want to test their blood pressure and sugar etc.

Bridgetown Market in association with FLOW is expected to be an amazing experience especially with the new additions. It has always been the event to attend where people can experience the true essence of Barbadian culture with the cuisine, craft, entertainment, sports and good old Bajan hospitality.  This year, as we approach the celebration of emancipation, Event Co-Producer Annette Nias urges patrons to show solidarity by dressing in African attire in recognition of the day and to celebrate our culture.