Barbados Gospel Festival

Barbados GospelFest – May 22nd to May 30th 2010

The Barbados Gospel Festival is celebrating it’s 18th year, and has established itself as one of the leading festivals on the Barbados Events Calendar and for the Caribbean region.

The world class event features international, regional and local Gospel Artists, including; Papa San from Jamaica, Antonio Allen from the USA, Praise With Steel from the UK, Norwill Simmonds from Canada, Willie Brown & Woody from the USA, Kevin Downswell from Jamaica, Sista Michelle from the USA, Linda “Chocolate” Berthier from St. Lucia, Kellie Cadogan from Barbados and many more local and Caribbean artists.

Farley Hill Finale – One Awesome Day

The Festival will be held at venues island wide from St. Michael’s Cathedral & Jackie Opel Amphitheater to the Finale named “One Awesome Day” at Farley Hill.

A selection of concerts throughout the event are free admission. Check out the Gospel Festival Event Calendar to find out more.

ICC Twenty20 Barbados Cricket Matches

ICC World Twenty20 – 30 April to 16 May 2010

With less than a month to go before the start of the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 cricket tournament the anticipation is growing in the region for yet another world class sporting event being held in the Caribbean.

The matches will be held in 4 countries; Barbados, Guyana, St.Lucia and St.Kitts & Nevis – Women’s event only.

ICC World Twenty20 Groups

Group A
Pakistan, Bangladesh & Australia

Group B
Sri Lanka, New Zealand & Zimbabwe

Group C
South Africa, India & Afghanistan

Group D
West Indies, England & Ireland

Barbados Matches

The Barbados Matches will be played from the 5th to the 9th of May at the Kensington Oval – 2 matches per day. Barbados will host 8 out of the 12 Mens Super 8 matches, the other 4 being held in St Lucia.

The Mens & Women’s finals will be played also at the Kensington Oval on the 16th of May 2010.

May 5th
Bangladesh v Australia &
South Africa v Afghanistan

May 6th Super 8
A1 v D2 & C1 v B2

May 7th Super 8
A2 v C2 & B1 v D1

May 8th Super 8
A1 v B2 & D2 v C1

May 9th Super 8
C2 v D1 & B1 v A2

May 16th Finals
Mens & Womens Finals

Oistins Fish Festival

Oistins Festival – 1st to 5th April, 2010

The Oistins Fish Festival was created in 1977 to support and honor those involved in the Barbados Fishing Industry.

The festival, held over Easter weekend in Barbados, has evolved in to a fun packed event with industry related competitions, concerts, arts, crafts and vendors stalls.

The Festival attracts thousands of visitors, both locals and tourists.

One of the major events is the fiercely competitive Fish Boning Competition. Other crowd drawing events are the Dolphin Skinning Competition (Mahi Mahi), Climbing the Greasy Pole and the Boat Race. The Gospel Festival on Easter Sunday is also not to be missed.

Barbados Reggae Festival Early Bird Tickets

Barbados Reggae Festival – April 18th to April 25th 2010

The count down to the eagerly awaited Barbados Reggae Festival 2010 is on! Early Bird Tickets are now on sale for each of the 3 main events; Reggae Beach Party, Vintage Reggae & Reggae on the Hill.

Reggae Beach Party – Sunday April 18th, 2010

The Reggae Beach Party is to be held at the Carlisle Bay Centre, Bay Street from 3pm to 10pm. Artists include; Mr. Vegas, Konshens, Ding Dong, Pumpattae, Kirk Brown, Omar Mcquilkin, Ruby Tech, Psycho, Most Wanted and DJ’s Jon Doe & Peter Coppin plus others top Caribbean DJ’s.

Vintage Reggae Show & Dance – Friday April 23rd, 2010

The Vintage Reggae Show & Dance is to be held at Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. Artists include; Fab Five, Marcia Griffiths, John Holt, Ernie Smith, Ken Lazarus plus Barbadian artistes and DJ’s Lil Rick & Admiral Nelson.

Reggae on the Hill – Sunday April 25th, 2010

Reggae on the Hill is the grand finale of the festival held at Farley Hill National Park from 10am to 8pm. Artists include; Richie Spice, Maxi Priest, Luciano, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Busy Signal, Romain Virgo, Supa Ruben, Buggy Nhakente, Hotta Flames, LRG, Brimstone, Albert Olton, Ras Al-I, Orakle, Daniel and many more.

There is also talk of a 4th event to be held on April 24th, a Party Cruise on the Harbour Master. Look out for the latest news on this extra event!

Tickets for the Digicel Barbados Reggae Festival can be purchased from the Official Box Offices. Further information on the entire event can be found at the Barbados Reggae Festival Website.

Barbados National Trust Open House March Calendar

The Barbados National Trust was founded in 1961 to preserve the unique heritage of the islands homes, historic buildings, places of natural beauty & the islands flora and fauna. The open house programme is the trust’s most important annual fund raising event.

Every Wednesday from January through March a beautiful house in Barbados opens its doors to the public to view from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

All types of houses are on show from the grand old plantation houses rich with centuries of history, to newer luxurious Bajan-Style villas.

Check out the March calendar;

Wednesday March 3rd 2010 – Heron Bay & Queen’s Fort House, St. James

The March 3rd venue has changed from Malvern Great House to 2 adjacent, seaside properties in St. James. The houses will not be opened, however, Heron Bay stands in 20 acres of parkland and the gardens alone are enough to provide a leisurely afternoon in an atmosphere of grandeur.

Wednesday March 10th 2010 – BUTTALS MANAGER’S HOUSE, St. George

In plantation hierarchy, the Managers House was a notch below the Great House. Renovated in the mid 20th century, It’s plain, almost gruff exterior belies the charm you’ll find inside. Discoveries lurk around corners & stairways, and family life unfolds on a working plantation.

Wednesday March 17th 2010 – BUTTSBURY, St James

A delightful villa set around a pool courtyard, Buttsbury sits in a beautiful position overlooking the Caribbean Sea to the west and the polo field to the east. Breezy and spacious, the rooms open in to delightfully landscaped gardens.

Wednesday March 24th 2010 – TYROL COT, St Michael

Tyrol Cot was home to the national hero Sir Grantley Adams. The architecturally unique mansion is filled with family antiques and memorabilia. Shaded by old trees, the grounds contain a chattel house village. A working rum shop, poignant slave hut, and a blacksmith shop complete the picture.

Wednesday March 31st 2010 – CHUKKAS, St Thomas

Lion Castle Polo Estate is the setting for this luxurious villa. Elevated at 1000ft, its stunning landscape commands a spectacular view of the south coast. Chukkas was designed to convey privacy and openness, luxury and comfort. With its fretwork trim, soaring great room, and top quality finishes, it is a delight for the eyes.

Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup

Gold Cup fever is in the air! The Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup will be held at the Garrison on Saturday March 6th, 2010.

This GR.1-International 9 furlong race, attracts horses from North America and the Caribbean, owned by some of the worlds leading investors in thoroughbred racing.

Without doubt this is Barbados leading horse racing event plus one of the largest within the Caribbean. It’s a great day out, not to be missed.

The fun day boasts all the top Bajan qualities including the Gold Cup Parade, local food delicacies, live bands & entertainment, ensuring that everyone gets a taste of Barbados at its best!

The race will be broadcast live via the radio station Voice of Barbados at VOB 92.9 fm

ICC World Twenty20 West Indies Cricket Tickets on Sale

The 2010 ICC World Twenty20 cricket tournament is fast approaching. The tournament is to be held in the West Indies from 30th April to 16th May. The matches will be held in 4 countries; Barbados, Guyana, St.Lucia and St.Kitts & Nevis – Women’s event only.

Twenty20 Qualifier Matches – Dubai Sports City

The qualifying tournament is to be held this week in the United Arab Emirates – Dubai Sports City from 9th to 13th February and will feature 8 teams;

Group 1 – Ireland, Scotland, USA & Afghanistan

Group 2 – Netherlands, Kenya, Canada & the United Arab Emirates

The qualifiers will go into Group C & D of the ICC World Twenty20, as follows:

ICC World Twenty20 Groups

Group A – Pakistan, Bangladesh & Australia

Group B – Sri Lanka, New Zealand & Zimbabwe

Group C – South Africa, India & 1st Qualifier

Group D – West Indies, England & 2nd Qualifier

The Barbados Matches will be played from the 5th to the 9th of May – 2 matches per day. Barbados will host 8 out of the 12 Mens Super 8 matches, the other 4 being held in St Lucia.

The Mens & Women’s finals will be played also at the Kensington Oval on the 16th of May 2010.

A full match schedule can be found at the Official ICC Website

Tickets on Sale Now

Tickets are on sale and selling out fast. There are three ways to purchase;

* By making an Online Purchase
* By Telephone: +44 207 998 3125
* At Local outlets in the Caribbean

Barbados National Trust Open House Programme

The Barbados National Trust’s Open House programme runs January through March 2010.

Every Wednesday a beautiful house in Barbados opens its doors to the public to view from 2.30pm to 5pm.

All types of houses are on show from the grand old plantation houses rich with centuries of history, to newer luxurious Bajan-Style villas.

Check out the February calendar;

Wednesday Feb 3rd 2010
BELLEVUE, Waterford, St Michael

The plantation dates from 1635 and commands a broad view down its manicured slope. This splendid property has been restored and renovated in a way that enhances its special character. Mosaics, converted outbuildings, horses and vast grounds complete the picture.

Wednesday Feb 10th 2010
POLLARD’S MILL, St. Philip

Pollards Mill combines the best of old and new. Built circa 1722, the spacious old stone property has had many lives: as a plantation, a hotel and a fine restaurant. The mill still stands, and the entire complex is surrounded by 2.5 acres of enclosed tropical garden.

Wednesday Feb 17th 2010
FISHERPOND PLANTATION HOUSE, St. Thomas

Fisherpond House is an over 300 year old mansion, built of rubble stone in Caribbean Georgian style, and has been transformed into a jewel, beautifully filled with antiques, paintings and objects d’art.

Wednesday Feb 24th 2010
ST. ANN’S FORT & DRILL HALL

Two of the Garrison’s Historic Military buildings are on show both occupied by The Barbados Defense Force. Built in 1702, the naval magazine displayed in the grounds is the finest known collection of 17th century English iron cannon. The Drill Hall hosts the West India Regiment memorabilia & offers a remarkable view of The Garrison area.

Admission and Directions

Admission prices for the Open House programme are $10 for National Trust members, $15 for BARP members and $20 for non members. For directions to the properties and any further information please email the National Trust.

The Barbados Holetown Festival 2010

Holetown Festival – 14th to 21st February, 2010

Following another successful year for the Barbados Jazz Festival, the next major event on the Barbados Events Calendar is the Holetown Festival, which offers another great reason to plan a February Barbados Vacation.

The history of the festival stems from 1627, when 80 English Settlers landed between the 17th and 20th of February at Holetown. With them were 10 African Slaves, who were captured on the voyage.

From this day Barbados became a British Colony. The first festival created by Alfred Pragnell was held over a weekend in 1977. It’s now so popular it runs from Sunday to Sunday.

British Airways January Flight Sale

Happy New Year everyone. This year starts with the British Airways January Flight Sale which includes great fares from London Gatwick to Barbados.

Promotional return fares to Barbados which include taxes, can be purchased on select dates through 2010;

₤509 – 14 Jan – 23 March
₤499 – 12 April – 30 June
₤599 – 01 July – 15 July
₤719 – 16 July – 20 Aug
₤599 – 21 Aug – 31 Aug
₤499 – 01 Sep – 30 Nov

The British Airways Sale ends 26th January 2010.

Once you have purchased your flight we have some fantastic Barbados Accommodation options. Barbados Apartments from $50 US per night. Barbados Guesthouses from $25 US per night and a great selection of Barbados Villas, Luxury Resort Hotels, Apartment Hotels and Full Service Hotels.