With more than 70 events still to come before Grand Kadooment, some Crop Over promoters are banking on Barbados’ well-known last-minute buying culture to fill fetes and jouverts.
The final week of the Sweetest Summer Festival gets underway today with eight events, including the National Cultural Foundation’s Crop Over Folk Concert, Soca on The Hill and the sold-out UV Breakfast.
After what is expected to be a relatively quiet Monday (tomorrow) featuring a single event, the calendar will quickly ramp up with three events on Tuesday, four on Wednesday and eight on Thursday.
One of the busiest
Friday will feature another eight events, including the Courtesy Pic O De Crop Finals, while Saturday will be one of the busiest days of the festival with 18 events, including Foreday Mornin’ and Bridgetown Market.
Fourteen events are scheduled for Sunday before Grand Kadooment on Monday, August 3, and the return of Cohobblopot on Tuesday, August 4.
Mario Turton, director of the long-running UV Breakfast, said the allinclusive breakfast fete, which began in 2010, is completely sold out.
Producer and director of Premier Event Services, Faye Wharton-Parris, said ticket sales for Panache are ahead of last year’s pace, leaving her confident about attendance.
“In terms of ticket sales, we are a little further ahead than we were at this time last year,” she said. “We have finite numbers and that is what we go to and that is our policy, so there is no cause for concern in terms of attendance.”
Wharton-Parris said Panache deliberately limits attendance to preserve its premium feel.
“Over the years we have decided not to let our numbers go over a certain range. We want everyone that comes to the event to have a really good time, to enjoy what we are offering and have space to mingle and socialise.”
However, she is keeping a close eye on the weather.
“As a responsible producer, you check the outlook every day and see what adjustments you have to make. We always make provisions for additional shade for rain or heat.”
For event producer Ryan Forde, whose calendar includes Stain’d Jouvert and Brek-Fus, the buying habits of patrons have changed dramatically.
“People are still buying. It just depends on the events,” he said, adding: “Our Stain’d Jouvert is sold out, which is positive for year one.”
Forde said Brek-Fus is also performing well with “the VIP section bout to sell out. General admission is now picking up”.
Weather also remains high on his list of concerns.
“We watch it and plan as best as we can.
We are guided by the authorities and will do what is needed to keep our teams and patrons as safe as possible.”
Behind the scenes, he said, staging an event has become increasingly complicated.
“Yes, we compete for infrastructure. Some promoters have invested in their own equipment, but you still need to rent additional bars, decking and tents. Events are not just about the entertainment. Behind the scenes there are headaches – from approvals and rising costs to waiting on setups and dealing with patrons who are super last-minute.”
Preparations
At ICE Soca, now in its third year, promoter Ryan Walters said preparations have entered the execution phase.
“Everything is progressing well. We’ve now shifted fully into execution mode, with venue setup underway from Monday [today]. The team is focused on delivering a seamless experience for patrons.”
Walters said ticket sales have been strong.
“We’re very pleased with the response so far. Ticket sales have been strong, particularly over the last few days, which is typical for major events during Crop Over. We expect that momentum to continue right up to event day.”
His team has also begun preparations early to stay ahead of any adverse weather.
“Weather is always something we monitor closely. That’s one of the reasons we’ve intentionally started venue set-up early, to stay ahead of any potential weatherrelated disruptions.”
He said no major logistical hurdles have emerged.
Richard Rollock, director of Island Mas, said both of his events – the I M UP Foreday Band and the Island Mas Breakfast Party
– are attracting steady support.
“Sales are steady and the team is looking forward to hosting a full house next Sunday.”
Rollock said weather forecasts are being monitored but believes patrons should not be discouraged.
“We remain vigilant on the upcoming weather conditions and will put the necessary precautions in place. That said, rain only stops cricket. Come rain, sun or shine, Island Mas is ready to deliver another authentic Crop Over experience.”
At LUSH Cooler Fete, director Joel Barrow said tickets continue to move steadily and preparations are well advanced.
“Vendors are being confirmed, bars are being stocked, entertainment is locked in, security and parking plans are finalised, and our operations team is working around the clock to ensure a smooth and seamless event.” (NS)