The 41st annual Holetown Festival got off to a rocking start on Sunday, thanks to contributions from several talented acts.
The evening began with a short procession by the Haynesville Youth Group, whose director drew the attention of scores of people to the Holetown Complex, where there was a stage and tent set up for the remaining activities.
Chairman of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Alvin Jemmott, said the festival, which celebrates the landing of the first English settlers in 1627, must be congratulated for its longevity.
He said it was events like these that added to the uniqueness of the tourism product.
“The last three years of tourism record growth have not been a surprise. It has not been easy, but it’s because of the uniqueness of the Barbadian tourism product offering that we continue to grow from strength to strength,” he added.
There were performances by Dancin’ Africa, the Barbados Defence Force Band, who did the Beating Retreat ceremony, and later a stage performance where they covered songs by The Mighty Gabby, Spice & Company and Alison Hinds.
Actress Janine White had the audience in stitches with her comedic presentations, while both Trinity Clarke and Paula Hinds sang their hearts out.
But the festivities really kicked into high gear when Red Plastic Bag (RPB) and later Grynner took the stage.
Both RPB and Grynner unleashed hit after hit. From Bag’s Ragga Ragga and Something’s Happening to the Old Dawg’s Leggo I Hand and Turn On De Speaker, members of the crowd had no choice but to get up out of their seats and shake a leg.
The Holetown Festival will continue this week and end on Sunday night when the Holetown Queen Of The Festival pageant will be held. (TG)
