New amphitheatre set to host marquee shows

Preparations were continuingThursday for Barbadians to enjoy a “fantastic” Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop Finals and 98.1 The One Soca 4.0 Sunday at the National Botanical Gardens, two marquee events in the climax of the Crop Over festival.

Boasting a newly created amphitheatre, Toni Yarde, Corporate Communications Specialist with the National Cultural Foundation, said the venue, which is hosting the calypso competition for the first time, will seat 10,000 people for Friday night’s event.

“Our aim is to ensure the venue provides the same comfort that you have become accustomed to from the National Stadium years ago and at Kensington Oval,” she said.

Speaking to the media as stakeholders conducted a visit at the open-air Waterford, St. Michael site on Wednesday, she noted that there had been a few setbacks due to the weather but gave the assurance that everything would be in place by Friday.

Yarde stated that the venue’s creation had resulted from a public/private venture with First Caribbean International Bank, with the aim of creating a space for cultural shows, dance, theatre, and any other entertainment activity.

Event Producer Aja highlighted that the 19 calypsonians had been going through rehearsals.

“As we speak, all the artists are preparing the scripts, getting ready for their performances on stage…So I think that everything is set for a fantastic and fascinating Pic-O-De-Crop final tomorrow in this setting, where the ambience is amazing. I don’t think we have a theatre space or performance space anywhere in Barbados that looks like this. I believe that once it is used on Friday, this venue will be frequented by many artists,” he said.

A park-and-ride system has been set up for those heading to the Gardens on Friday night at West Terrace and Queen’s College in St. James, and at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium in Christ Church. Additionally, parking will be available at the site where people will be shuttled in.
(JB)