Agrofest 2025: feast for the senses at Queen’s Park

Queen’s Park came alive with a vibrant tapestry of culture, agriculture, and entertainment as Agrofest 2025 drew to a spectacular close on Sunday. The annual agricultural exhibition, which has become a cornerstone of Barbadian culture, offered an eclectic mix of exhibitions, competitions, and performances that captivated hundreds of nationals and tourists alike.

Among the many attractions was the opportunity to view the Reparations Now exhibition. Shanika Burnett, one of the attendants at the Queen’s Park Gallery, said: “We had a good response. This weekend we saw significantly higher numbers than we would usually see due to Agrofest. We had over 500 people so far for the weekend.

“I think that with this particular exhibition, Barbadians really identify with the pieces, and a lot of people that are coming are not traditional art lovers or art followers, but I can see that they really appreciate it. We have also had some tourists, and we have been getting favourable responses.”

For those seeking light-hearted fun, the watermelon-eating competition was a popular option. Both men and women threw caution to the wind and competed to see who could devour the fruit in the shortest time.

Another crowd-pleaser was the dog show, which attracted curious onlookers as they watched the canines navigate an obstacle course.

Those simply enjoying the atmosphere in the newly installed Marcus Garvey Amphitheatre were entertained by the Legacy Team, Niqo Vybz, and DJ Gunner, who provided background music.

As nightfall descended, the gospel lineup took over, delivering a spirit-filled conclusion to the event with An Evening of Gospel. Opening the segment was the youthful band Nuri, who set the tone with an energetic session featuring upbeat selections as they proclaimed the great name of Jesus. They were followed by Ravon Ramsay, who got patrons energized with his familiar old-school church songs. The seasoned Sherry Ann Maughan ministered with her well-known hits, including Winners, Keep Me Baba, and No Dilemma, before taking the audience back to one of her early releases, Born to Worship.

Bringing a reggae gospel vibe to the stage was Jermyn Demitri, a dynamic performer who entertained the crowd with his own Journeys, Obstacles, and Your Presence, along with Luciano’s Sweep Over My Soul.

Saxophonist Romaro Greaves delivered a compelling instrumental ministry, captivating the audience with Jerusalema and I Know Who I Am, before being joined by the legendary band Promise, who kept their fans content.

Closing out the night was the energetic Rev. Tony Lowe. The audience worked up a sweat dancing to his medley of favourites including Sons of God Arise and Walk Holy.

(STT)