The Sweetest Summer Festival is heating up — and the energy reached a peak on Saturday when around 2,000 youthful masqueraders took centre stage at the Sunshine Snacks and Affinity Plus Credit Union Junior Kadooment, held at the National Botanical Gardens.
The festivities got underway promptly at 9 a.m. with a high-energy performance by the Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds, accompanied by the NCF Flag Dancers, setting the tone for a vibrant day of colour, culture, and creativity.
Thirty bands crossed the stage, ushered on by their energetic flag people. Incorporating choreographed routines, they showcased elaborate costumes delighting the crowds who lined every vantage point.
Another presentation by the Pinelands Creative Workshop.
Dominating the results was Pinelands Creative Workshop, whose presentation Faces of Mas — a tribute to Caribbean masquerade traditions — featured six sections that captivated the judges. Under the direction of Shelly Durant-Forde, the band swept several major awards, including Best Community Band, Most Colourful Band, Best Costume Structure, and first place in both the Historical and Topical categories. They also placed second in Folklore.
Individual honours went to Joniah Nurse, who captured first place in the Junior Flag Person category, besting Jonathan Joseph-Gittens of Weston United Stars Community Group and Ciara Waithe of Hindsbury Primary School. In the 3–7 age group, Pinelands shone in the individuals category with Echoes of Our Ancestors, while their Cane Cutter and Water Bearer couple entry earned not only high marks from judges but also the Gwyneth Squires Schools and Community Award. They also triumphed in the Junior King category with King Kaleido.
Among the primary schools competing, St. Alban’s Primary stood out. Led by bandleader Glenn Brathwaite, their band Solaris: Living Images of Isles in the Sun explored the evolution of CARIFESTA and earned the title of Best School Band. They also secured second place in Topical, and third in both the Historical and Folklore categories. Their portrayal of Carifesta 1976 – Guyana clinched the Junior King title for the school.
A presentation by the Roland Edwards Primary.
Another standout was Roland Edwards Primary School, whose presentation The Journey from Africa to Barbados, designed by Andrea Phillips, earned the BMA – Brands of Barbados Award. They topped the Fantasy and Folklore categories and placed second in Historical. In the 8–12 individual category, their entries Tuk Band and All Aboard secured second and third place respectively, while Magnificent Maypole and Anansi earned third in the Couples 8–12 category.
Hindsbury Primary School paid tribute to cultural icon Tyrone Trotman, while Xante – Folk Fusion, designed by Nanette Worrell, honoured the late Gwyneth Squires and Winston Jordan.
Tribute was paid to veteran masquerader, the late Gwyneth Squires.
While large crowds gathered around the main judging stage to witness the creative displays, the action was not confined to that space. Just steps away, the party zone was buzzing as a mini carnival kept throngs of young attendees entertained. with performances from some of the season’s top entertainers, including Azizi Clarke, Mikey, Tae, Peter Ram, and a return performance from Alison Hinds.
As temperatures soared, patrons flocked to the Cool Down Zone for sweet relief, with snow cones and ice cream in high demand. (STT)
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