Pure Pandemonium at Botanical on Sunday

After a hugely successful debut last year, the Republic Bank Pandemonium returns to the National Botanical Gardens on Sunday, July 16. 

Though only in its second iteration, the National Cultural Foundation-produced Republic Bank Pandemonium has quickly become one of the most popular and widely anticipated events on the Crop Over calendar, featuring local and international acts, a children’s zone, craft area and much, much more.

“We at Republic Bank embrace the theme ‘Love Crop Over’ to the fullest extent and we too “love Crop Over’!”, said Anthony Clerk, CEO and Managing Director of title sponsor, Republic Bank.

“It is for this reason that we commit year on year to putting our money where our mouths are. Republic Bank has been a proud sponsor for more than two decades… [and] this is the second consecutive year for us, sponsoring the rebranded Pan event in the breathtaking botanical gardens. Like many lovers of the art form, we are especially happy to assist the NCF in ensuring this art form finds new life.”

The Republic Bank Pandemonium also serves as the primary showcase for Barbados’ National Youth Steel Orchestra — the island’s largest steel band featuring over 100 pannists.

Speaking on the band, Karen Pestaina, festival events coordinator at the NCF stated, “This is definitely the event we use to give the band space to truly showcase their repertoire. They group has grown tremendously such that we had to do the stage for them alone, but they are really fantastic and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it!”

The event also features a star-studded cast including famous steelband from Trinidad and Tobago, Exodus, Tenor Pan Jam — a group of some of Barbados’ renowned tenor panists led by Andre Forde, the Zig E Walcott Group, and even a steel band from title sponsor, Republic Bank, to name a few.

“Last year’s event was a tremendous success; we had a humongous crowd of around 15,000 patrons and this year promises to be even better, as we welcome some new orchestras to the stage as well,” commented Pestaina.

“We even have one of the groups doing a special tribute to the big bands of Barbados like the Troubadours, Spice, Square One etc., so we’re really looking forward to everything we have in store!”

“We were also happy to continue our relationship with our overseas groups, especially Exodus coming out of Trinidad and Tobago,” added Pestaina.

“It really was very fortuitous because Exodus is also sponsored by Republic Bank, and then in addition we had Republic Bank forming their own company-wide steel orchestra so it just seemed like everything fit together so nicely.”

The event has been touted as “fun for the whole family”, with last year’s kids zone being expanded, along with a special craft area and other surprises. There will also be fun giveaways for children like the NCF’s new Cohobblopot coloring book, which made its debut at the Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes on Saturday July 1.

“There is just so much happening this year — we have DJs, two stages to ensure that the pan never stops, and even an iron massive of 60-plus players coming through the crowd,” added Pestaina.

“It really is shaping up to be a phenomenal event!”

Other featured performers at the Republic Bank Pandemonium include: Cave Hill Blackbird Steel, St. Leonard’s Boys Steel Orchestra, the BCC Pan Ensemble, Phoenix Steel and Euphony Steel Orchestra.

Doors open at 2 p.m. and admission is free. Patrons are encouraged to bring their chairs, blankets, umbrellas etc. to enjoy the day outdoors and can expect lots of food and beverages on sale as well. (PR)