Kadooment back on track: Bands gets early start, better flow

After last year’s frustrating delays, the 2025 Flow Grand Kadooment redeemed itself with a vibrant and punctual return that thrilled revellers and organisers.

At precisely 8:30 a.m., the National Anthem played and the first band, Walk Holy, crossed the starting point, setting the tone for what would become a generally smooth and festive Grand Kadooment Day.

Minister with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight.

Minister with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, expressed satisfaction with the early execution: “We had a late start last year and we were committed to just making sure that we had an early on-time start this year,” she said while monitoring the event near the Princess Alice Highway. 

“I am pleased with the 8:30 start, pleased with the fact that people seem to be having a good time.”

CEO of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Carol Roberts, expressed similar sentiments.

“I’m very pleased we’ve got off to a great start. The bands are flowing smoothly…. So far, so good,” she said, encouraging revellers and spectators to stay hydrated on the road. 

Compared to last year, when revellers waited hours for movement due to the delayed start time announced by the NCF, this year marked a significant improvement. In 2024, the bands being judged moved off after 11 a.m. By contrast, this year, the final judging band, Romp International, passed the judges just before 2 p.m.

From as early as 7:30 a.m., scores of revellers were spotted having breakfast and hydrating in preparation for the day’s festivities. Bands such as Blue Box Cart and Salt followed Walk Holy with early infectious energy, pumping soca along the stretch between the Helipad and Princess Alice Highway.

Throughout the morning, the streets were drenched in colour—feathers and beads shimmered in the hot blazing sunlight, glittered skin glowed and the air pulsed with deafening bass and joy. Flags waved high and masqueraders lit the road with a rainbow of colours. 

Acknowledging the national support that made the event possible, the NCF CEO said: “I want to thank all those in the country—whether it is through financial aid, as in the sponsors… supporting the festival and some vendors…. I think it’s incredible.”

Though some minor delays occurred, they paled in comparison to last year’s frustrations. For organisers, this year’s execution was a welcome improvement.

“We really wanted to make sure that we improve on some of the things that happened last year and that’s what we’re committed to,” said Munro-Knight.

“No major complaints I’ve heard so far… things are going well today.”