Speightstown came alive on Saturday as one of St. Peter’s We Gatherin’ marquee events transformed the tranquil seaside town into a hub of cultural celebration. The event, aptly named Speightstown Alive, immersed attendees in Barbadian heritage through historical tours, vibrant street art, and an energetic marketplace featuring local vendors.
Traditional games like potta and warri fostered friendly competition, while the Ward Brothers set the tone with captivating steelpan and keyboard performances. A roving steel band further fueled the excitement as anticipation built for the evening’s festivities. The highlight of the parade was a lively procession featuring traditional Barbadian characters such as Mother Sally, stilt men, and the shaggy bear, all moving to the infectious rhythms of a tuk band.
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On the main stage, the Coleridge and Parry School Band delivered a diverse set, blending gospel classics like Big God with chart-topping hits from Barbados’ own Rihanna. The St. Peter Folk Group evoked nostalgia with their renditions of John Belly Mama and Gabby’s Bridgetown Early, while Dancin’ Africa electrified the crowd with an energetic soca-infused performance.
The much-anticipated Sunset Concert, hosted by Cassandra Crawford, paid tribute to legendary Barbadian artists. The Vintage Kaiso Legends segment featured iconic performances from Bumba, Kid Site, Gabby, and Tony Grazette, celebrating the island’s rich musical legacy. The concert continued with a heartfelt homage to spouge, as Grazette, Desmond Weekes, Mike Thompson, and Nikita honored the genre’s greats with soul-stirring performances. Wendy Alleyne mesmerized the audience with classics like Midnight Blues and I Am Still Here.
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The energy peaked when Stiffy took the stage, joined by SugahRhe, Answar, Rhea Layne, and Hypasounds for an electrifying set. A freestyle showdown between Stiffy and Sunrokk had the crowd roaring in excitement.
The evening culminated in the Speightstown to the World segment, showcasing a stunning array of local talent. Carol George’s rendition of Amazing Grace was complemented by Darien Bailey’s masterful piano accompaniment. Abianna Fenty’s flawless vocals on Summertime and Ch’An’s soulful take on Killing Me Softly further enchanted the audience. Standout performances from Jermone Waithe, Jamal Slocombe, Betty Payne, and Casheda Dottin, along with stellar instrumental showcases from saxophonist Romaro Greaves and percussionists Willie Kerr and Terry ‘Mexican’ Arthur, rounded out the night.
Parliamentary Representative Colin Jordan commended the dedication and effort behind the event’s success. “A lot of hard work has gone into making this a reality,” he noted, expressing gratitude to the National Cultural Foundation and the Parish Independence Committee for their commitment.
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