All Stars ready for calypso season  

The All Stars Calypso Tent is promising a season of strong performances, community outreach and fresh talent as it prepares to officially launch its 2026 programme later this month.

Speaking during the launch at Kooyman Barbados on Saturday, tent manager Eleanor Rice outlined an ambitious calendar while reflecting on the tent’s longstanding contribution to the local calypso landscape.

Rice announced that the tent will officially open on May 31, with shows scheduled every Sunday throughout June.

“The All Stars Calypso tent will open its doors on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the St Gabriel School Auditorium at 6 p.m.,” she said, adding that the tent would also continue its annual northern tour stop at the Darryl Jordan Secondary School in St Lucy on June 27.

Confident in the quality of this year’s production, Rice said patrons could once again expect one of the island’s premier Sunday night entertainment experiences.

“The tent and its cast guarantee its audience that just as we led the way in establishing the best calypso show on Sunday nights … this year holds the promise of equally outstanding accomplishments,” she said.

Rice also highlighted the tent’s history of innovation and success, noting that All Stars was the first calypso tent to host a judging night at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium and had produced both kings and queens of calypso over the years.

This year’s judging night is scheduled for July 23 at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, big tent.

Beyond entertainment, Rice revealed that the tent would again be giving back to the community through a charitable initiative benefiting the Nightingale Children’s Home.

She explained that performers would collectively purchase and donate items to the institution at the end of the season, with possible live performances for the children as well.

Rice also praised the growing partnership between the tent and Kooyman.

“I am proud to be officially here to say that the All Stars and Kooyman are going to be strong in 2026,” she declared.

Several new performers will join the tent this season, including Christopher Padmore, Shane Forrester, King Key Star, Sherrie Boyce performing as Sher-Haya, Aziza Clarke as Queen Aziza, Captain Sawyer and Jalissa Edwards, who performs under the stage name Jay-E.

Rice added that audiences can also expect appearances from guest artistes, including Grateful Co and others, throughout the season.