As Grand Kadooment 2025 approaches, organisers are working to address past challenges and enhance the climax of the Crop Over festival, with plans for an earlier start time and improved logistics.
The event, which saw significant changes in its 2024 edition, is expected to draw a larger crowd this year, with more bands participating. However, ongoing issues such as free revellers disrupting registered bands remain a concern, as the festival seeks to maintain its competitive edge against other Caribbean events.
Bryan Worrell, president of the Band Leaders Association, revealed that negotiations between the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and the Band Leaders Association are ongoing. Meetings began as early as January, with agreements reached on several key aspects; however, the finalised rules and regulations document is yet to be released.
Last year saw the introduction of a new route, and while much of it will remain unchanged, suggestions have been made to enhance the overall experience. One of the main concerns last year was the late start, which affected the smooth flow of the event.
“We’re hoping for an earlier start time, bringing Foreday start time to around 8:30. And then we’re looking to maybe change the way the bands actually progress from the start point through. We’re looking at moving the starting point as well to start the first judging area. We are looking to make a change to where that location will be—certain things that will work in terms of the flow and the logistics for a smoother transition from the band starting to actually getting on the road.”
A recurring issue during the festival has been the presence of free revellers mingling with registered bands, causing disruptions and diluting the exclusive experience for paying participants. Worrell acknowledged the challenge and confirmed that discussions with the NCF are ongoing.
“We continue to tinker with how we can address, you know, the free revellers invading the paid costume bands. Because people pay a lot of money. People fly into Barbados also to participate, and you don’t want to have that experience ruined. Because when you ruin the experience for a traveller in a band, it really affects not only that band but Crop Over as a whole.”
He added, “With the competition that we have from other countries, it’s important that we protect the brand that we have for Crop Over and for Grand Kadooment.”
With more bands returning this year, expectations are high for an even larger turnout.
“There are more bands coming back into the fold this year from last year, so we expect a larger number of bands to participate than we had last year. So I, from speaking to other band leaders, know the expectation is there, the hype is there. We’re excited. We’re just waiting on some really good music from the artistes, because the music builds the festival. We are the outlet for the music, but the music is really the driver of the festival. So once they produce good quality music that can build the hype, Crop Over will benefit at the tail end of that.”
When asked about the possibility of a two-day jump, similar to other Caribbean festivals, Warrell believes this should only be considered if demand surpasses what a single-day event can accommodate.
“The only way you can spill over into another day is to ensure that Grand Kadooment is so full and so packed with people and participation that there’s no room to do another jump. Right now, we are really still on the upward trajectory of trying to get Grand Kadooment back to where it used to be—as the clay mask event, where everybody wants to participate—before looking at adding a second date.”
(LG)
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