Barbados Reggae Weekend aims to boost economy, off-season tourism

Barbados Reggae Weekend is positioning itself not just as a major entertainment showcase, but as a growing economic engine – particularly during what organisers describe as a traditionally slow month for tourism.

Speaking at Wednesday night’s launch held at the Sandals Royal Barbados Ballroom, sponsorship manager Michelle Straughn said the festival, now in its third year, has drawn between 20 000 and 25 000 patrons over the past two editions, with visitors travelling from across the region and overseas markets including St Lucia, St Kitts, Canada, US and as far afield as Africa.

“April has traditionally been a slow month in Barbados, because it’s after the winter season when everybody going back home,” Straughn told reporters following the event. “So this is a way to bring people to Barbados at this time of year.”

She noted that the timing of the festival aligns with efforts to increase bed occupancy during the post‑winter dip, adding that hotels stand to benefit from the influx of overseas patrons.

In addition to tourism, organisers say the event has created direct and indirect opportunities across a wide cross‑section of the local economy.

“We’ve worked with maybe over 500 different businesses,” Straughn said during the launch, listing local entertainers, artists, DJs, MCs, stage production teams, lighting and sound technicians, caterers, chefs, bartenders, mixologists, private security firms and taxi operators among those engaged.

“When there’s a show on, they all make money,” she added, pointing to the ripple effect on small enterprises such as hairdressers, barbers and boutiques.

The event’s organisers said that its engagement extends well beyond the entertainment sector, touching service providers and small operators across multiple industries.

Straughn described Barbados Reggae Weekend as “a premium fixture on the island’s entertainment calendar” and said demand for tickets has been strong even ahead of the official launch.

“People have been buying tickets before we even launch the tickets,” she said, noting that season passes were released online in December and saw steady uptake.

Early‑bird tickets for individual shows and season passes will go on sale from Friday at box offices islandwide and online at ticketlinks.com. Premium “Luxe” packages will also be available for select events.

The three‑day festival will take place at its new home, Kensington Oval, from April 24 to 26.  

Opening night, *Legends of Reggae Show and Dance*, will feature Barrington Levy, Norris Man, Sister Nancy and Super Cat. The *Guinness Showdown* follows on 25 April with Capleton, General Degree and Popcaan among the headliners, while *Reggae in the Gardens* on 26 April will showcase Dexta Daps, D’Yani, Kranium and Admiral Tibet.

Several Barbadian artists are also scheduled to take the stage across all three nights, ensuring a vibrant blend of local, national and international acts.

Additional features include a Reggae Village food court, fully stocked mega bars, premium hospitality experiences, cabanas, beauty bars, park‑and‑ride services in partnership with the Transport Board and a series of pop‑up events leading up to the main weekend.

Straughn said the long‑term objective is to elevate the festival’s international reputation while strengthening its contribution to Barbados’s economy.

“Barbados Reggae Weekend is here to stay,” she said. “We are increasing, we are looking to raise the profile of Barbados by doing this event, bringing more people from overseas and taking it to an international level.”