A surge in international ticket sales and a star-studded line-up are expected to make this year’s Barbados Reggae Weekend the biggest yet, with organisers promising world-class performances, vibrant energy, and international flair.
The National Botanical Gardens will, for the second year, be transformed into the reggae capital of the world for the three-night event.
The event, which organisers promise will be an unforgettable experience, begins on Friday, April 25, with Legends of Reggae, followed by Saturday Showdown on April 26, culminating on Sunday, April 27 with Reggae in the Gardens.
During a site visit on Wednesday, organisers walked media and stakeholders through the schedule and plans for the upcoming festival. Ryan Brathwaite, principal for Barbados Reggae Weekend, revealed that up to 25 international, regional, and national acts will perform next weekend.
The event is already attracting international attention, as organisers have seen ticket sales from outside Barbados double compared to last year.
“We have a lot of interest from our overseas patrons. When I stood here last year, we spoke about persons buying tickets from Nigeria; that group is coming again. We have persons coming from the UK. In the last seven days or so, we’ve seen at least a 50 per cent uptick in tickets from persons purchasing outside of Barbados,” he said. “We can hardly find tickets for ourselves in terms of our artistes coming, so I can tell you that persons are coming to Barbados this week as well for the Barbados Reggae Weekend.”
He attributed the affordability of tickets to the number of sales they have attracted so far.
“We have the Live the Luxe (VIP) cabanas, which are 98 per cent sold; I don’t think there’s one cabana left for sale. The Legends lounge is about 95 per cent sold as well. We also have our season passes, and we’re very proud of our season pass because we’re offering quality at an affordable price.”
Brathwaite added: “Of course this is an event that we’re not only catering to those persons who want to live deluxe, but we have to ensure that our event is accessible and available to all persons. From all walks of society.”
The reggae weekend also boasts accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that people with disabilities are able to fully enjoy the event.
“We’ve made sure that our entrances are disabled friendly so you don’t have to stay home and wonder what is going on in the Gardens if you have a disability. Come and live the vibes with us, live the luxe with us and enjoy what the Barbados Reggae Weekend has to offer.”
Michelle Straughn, sponsorship representative, gave an assurance of a strong police presence and security measures to ensure the safety of festival-goers.
“The police will be here in their numbers, as you would expect,” she said. “We’re going to have private security that will handle the doors, so you will have your checks. Everyone will be checked before they get into the venue.”
She added that health and other safety measures would be taken: “Fire [service] will be here to make sure that the vendors are all safe. Health [authorities] will be here as well, so ambulance service will be on standby, we’ll have an ambulance on the premises.”
The organiser also highlighted the job opportunities being made available from this event.
“We’re providing jobs from this event single-handedly for over 300 people, whether it be persons who are selling clothes, technicians, even our staff that we employ directly from our technical staff to staff from the sponsors.”
Friday’s Legends of Reggae, presented by Q100.7 FM, features icons such as Super Cat, Carlene Davis, Courtney Melody, Glen Washington, and Wayne Wonder. They will be joined by Barbadian performers Mike Grosvenor, Desmond Weekes, and Wendy Alleyne.
On Saturday, 98.1 The One sponsors The Showdown, which will showcase high-energy performances from dancehall stars including Mavado, Intence, Kraff, and Skeng. Local acts include Brutal Crankstar, Chief Din, LRG, and Idea the Artist.
The event culminates with Reggae in the Gardens on Sunday, April 27, a family-oriented event headlined by Shabba Ranks, Busy Signal, Etana, Maxi Priest, and viral sensation Moliy. Homegrown acts Rhesa Garnes, Rite Side of Red, Tabitha Gerbadian, and Melody Man will also take the stage.
The event also marks the 10th anniversary of TicketLinkz, Brathwaite’s ticketing company.
“As a treat for those ten years, we’re bringing the king of the dancehall to you, Beenie Man,” he announced.
Patrons will have the choice of general admission or the Live the Luxe experience, which includes premium features such as “front stage views, canopy, tray service, signature dishes from our award-winning chefs… complimentary house drinks and cocktails, premium bars… and other exclusive add-ons and giveaways.”
Additionally, he announced that parking will be available at Combermere School for $10, with proceeds going directly to the school.
“We are exhibiting our social responsibility to the youth of this country,” he said.
As part of the family focus, children will receive free treats and snacks, continuing a popular initiative from last year. (LG)
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