Barbados' Economy Set for Boost as Crop Over Festivities Drive High-end Ticket Sales

Barbados’ economy is in for a major boost as partygoers are shelling out big bucks to fete and some promoters are seeing steady ticket sales for the Crop Over last lap.

With just over one week left on the Sweetest Summer Festival calendar and the last lap kicking in from today, there are more than 34 fetes and parties and 18 cruises scheduled up to August 6, not including the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) events, that are jostling for space and numbers.

Locals and foreign patronage have been snapping up early bird tickets, with some people paying up to $300 to attend premium, all-inclusive parties.

On Sunday there were seven events, among them Soca On De Hill and UV Vibe food-inclusive breakfast party with those tickets costing $150. For those going premium, the table package price tag will run up to $1 500.

UV Vibe promoter Mario Turton said ticket sales had “been consistent and we are seeing a lot more foreigners this year than previous years”, adding that a lot more quality events were on the calendar this year.

Those opting to ride the high seas today will be out of luck as Nudes Tanlines Cooler Cruise and Oh Ship are already sold out.

On Tuesday there are three events on, the major one being Hypd by DJ Puffy, who said he was expecting

a crowd again this year.

“Things are looking great for us as usual this year. Hypd has a very strong community that always eagerly supports every single event and we look forward to having a blast.”

A check on Ticketlinkz showed all tickets were sold out.

On Wednesday there are five events, among them Rise Barbados, which showcases KES The Band and Patrice, among others. VIP tickets cost $300 and LIVVIP $500.

August 1, Emancipation Day, has 11 events scheduled, including the big people party Panache, with an

all-inclusive ticket going at $260.

On Friday, Amnesia Garden party kicks off at Hi Gate. Organiser Ramir Griffith told the Sunday Sun: “Responses to ticket sales have been good. Patrons started to buy tickets from early in the year. We are seeing more sales from tourists, which is pretty normal for us.”

That event will clash with ten others, including the Pic O De Crop Finals at the National Botanical Gardens.

Revellers will have their choice of the NCF’s Foreday Morning Jam on Saturday which starts at 1 a.m. or the five other private j’ouverts. Those who decide not to jump will have eight events from which to pick, including Dis Is Rick, Lost In Paradise, Bliss The Summer Edition and Mia’s Fete, hosted by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

Rachelle Mayers, of Esquire Entertainment, said Bliss ticket sales, at $320, were looking good.

“The response from both the Barbadian and the international community has been encouraging and sales are going very well. We strive to give our patrons a quality product and value for their hard-earned money and this year is no exception . . . . We look forward to representing and celebrating Crop Over’s 50th anniversary in a big way,” she said.

Next Sunday, there will be 13 events, among them three all-inclusive breakfast parties, a couple of cruises and the NCF’s Soca 5.0 show at the National Botanical Gardens.

FLOW Grand Kadooment on Monday, August 5, will climax the festival. Costumed revellers will jump their way along a new route from Bridgetown, along Harbour Road, President Kennedy Drive, onto Black Rock and ending at the Mighty Grynner Highway. In addition to the various prizes on offer for the bands, the 2024 Tune Of The Crop winner will also be chosen.

Revive Brunch will be the final event on the Tuesday.