The region’s sweetest summer festival, ‘Crop Over’, was launched with pride, spectacle and smooth sounds. The free concert that occurred in Bridgetown on Thursday, June 6th featuring the sweet sounds from the Royal Barbados Police Force Band supporting some of the top local acts, was the perfect teaser for the official launch which took place on the following Saturday in the northern parish of St. Peter..

It was there in St. Peter that Crop Over got its official start during the First Citizens Crop Over Launch and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes. The cultural extravaganza was well attended by locals, who came out in their numbers to celebrate the launching of the biggest cultural festival on Barbados Calendar. Among the star studded performers were: Marzville, Mighty Gabby, Lil Rick, TC, Hypasounds, Mikey, just to name a few.

 

 

Chief executive officer of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Carol Roberts-Reifer, spoke at the beginning of the launch, and reminded all Barbadians that it was their responsibility to develop the kind of festival they would enjoy and be proud to be a part of.

“What kind of festival do we want to enjoy and share with the world?  I say let us produce it, enjoy it, nurture and cherish it. It is ours and deserves the loyalty and commitment of each and every one of us,” she said.

 

 

The Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, Hon. John King, was proud of the work the NCF has been able to do in the last year in terms of updating the festival for the modern creative economy. Though many in the public and on social media have lamented certain changes done to the season, Minister King sees these moves as important for the future.

“We might not always agree on the changes to be made but one thing we can always assure – every decision made by the National Cultural Foundation is done in an effort to get this Crop Over product correct.”

Following the official launch, patrons were serenaded during the evening into the night with a Folk Concert which was closely followed by a short but enjoyable Soca showcase.

 

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