First Bridgetown Craft Market potpourri today

The City will come alive in an explosion of colour, culture, food, craft, art and all things Bajan, when the first of two Bridgetown Craft Markets gets started today at 10 am.

Celebrating the theme of The Shop Crop Over Experience, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has paired the Bridgetown Craft Market with its Sweet Limes initiative to add even more flavour to an already highly popular attraction.

At the Golden Square Freedom Park from 10 a.m., there will be the hub for authentic Barbadian craft, wellness products, jewellery, cosmetics, local memorabilia, leather goods, clothing, soft furnishings and, of course, the hottest DJ music and entertainment.

The live entertainment includes: Foundation Steel Pan

Folk Troops, St. Mary’s School Landship, St. Cyprians Boys Choir, Deacon’s Primary Landship, Dancing Africa, Limbo and fire eating, Mark Forde on Steel Pan, artistes from the Pink Pen Project and more.

Senior Business Development Officer at the NCF, André Hoyte, explained that vehicular traffic will not be disrupted for the Bridgetown Craft Market, which starts in the morning and continue to late in the evening. 

He notes the range of activities and entertainment are meant to be a boost to creatives and encouragement for Barbadians and visitors to make Bridgetown the go-to place for high quality local products and fare.

With the country already abuzz with excitement from the International Cricket Council’s Men’s T-20 World Championship matches being hosted here, Hoyte expects the vibe to be even more hyped over the coming days as the Cricket Final is staged tomorrow June 29.

“It’s exciting that T-20 cricket is also happening in Barbados. Of course, our first market happens on the Friday before the Finals. So, we know that people are going to be in The City in their numbers looking for things to do, food to eat, gifts to take back, and entertainment to enjoy,” Hoyte stated.

He also praised the efforts of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry for its cooperation with the NCF on these Bridgetown-based events.

Restaurants and stores in Bridgetown will be opening late as top DJs play some of the big hits of the season, at select locations including Abeds, DutyFree Barbados, Royal Shop, Sole Addiction, while Soca artistes will add more thrills to the potpourri of attractions from various locations.

Fully costumed festival characters will stroll the streets and boardwalks of Historic Bridgetown, showcasing the cultural experiences and history of the island in dramatic form. 

The senior NCF official highlighted the sponsorship which Toyota Nassco Limited, KFC, Payce Digital – Digital Payment Partner of the Festival, has provided this year to help make the Bridgetown Craft Markets a success and an integral part of the Crop Over Festival Calendar.   

The day culminates with the final Crop Over Sweet Lime at Golden Square with a line-up that includes: Lil Rick, Mikey, Mr. Blood, RPB, Fadda Fox, Barry Chandler, Coppa Dan, Adrian Clarke, Timmy and many more. (PR)