Carols by Candlelight lights up Illaro Court

For three decades, Carols by Candlelight has stood as one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures on Barbados’ Yuletide calendar, and this year’s edition rewarded loyal patrons with an extended showcase of local talent.

The annual fundraising event for the Rotary Club of Barbados, hosted on the picturesque grounds of Illaro Court on Sunday evening, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, with patrons assembling well ahead of the scheduled 5 p.m. start.

Early arrivals were treated to performances by Phoenix Steel Orchestra and the roving band of musicians who, as customary, wove their way through the audience, setting a festive tone.

The formal programme unfolded in carefully curated segments, beginning with the ‘Bajan segment’, which opened with TC’s renditions of Things of Christmas and Rocksteady Christmas. Khiomal followed with Why Can’t This Christmas Feeling Go On, and Iweb delivered The Christmas Hymn.

The ‘Fun segment’ added a lighter, more playful dimension to the evening. It began with a spoken-word piece, Christmas Is Here, by DJ Simmons. Dance troupe Élevé injected movement and visual flair with Carols of the Bells, while Madd Entertainment emerged as a crowd favourite, delighting patrons with Mistake Me for Santa Claus and a medley of their popular Crop Over selections from years past.

The ‘Traditional segment’ featured a standout acappella performance by G-Syndicate, who impressed with Have Yourself a Merry Christmas and This Christmas. Vocalist Shernelle Boyce delivered a stirring rendition of What Child Is This, while the reigning Junior Monarch added youthful charm with Mary Did You Know. Marzville’s vocals were exceptional on Every Year, Every Christmas, while the St Cyprian’s Boys’ School choir brought their trademark dynamism, culminating their presentation with Singing Francine’s Parang.

Led by Mikey and backed by Euphoria Steel, the evening’s sing-along session featured several surprise appearances. Soca star Nikita joined for Deck the Halls, Alison Hinds led the crowd in Angels We Have Heard on High, and Biggie and Nathalee teamed up for The Little Drummer Boy.

The final segment, ‘Caribbean Christmas’, kept the momentum high. RPB was a hit with Maize, Jamal Slocombe delivered Christ in Your Christmas, while Nathalee returned with Caroling, Caroling. Neesha Woodz energised the audience with This Christmas Feeling and Mr Blood captured attention with In the Christmas Mood. John Yarde entertained with Caribbean Christmas before joining Mikey for Christmas Is Here for the grand finale.

In his remarks, President of the Rotary Club of Barbados, Jeff Evelyn, underscored the significance of the event.

“This event is more than a concert; it is our largest fundraiser and because of our generous sponsors and your kindness over the years we have been able to touch the lives of countless children and families in some of the most deserving communities.

“Every candle you hold tonight represents hope, hope that shines far beyond this evening,” Evelyn said.

He also extended heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Mia Mottley for the continued use of the Illaro Court grounds. On her arrival, the prime minister warmly greeted patrons and encouraged members of the Rotary Club to continue their commendable work.

“We take these things for granted but this is what brings down blood pressure, this is what makes people smile and this makes us who we are,” Mottley said.

(STT)