by Donna Sealy
This year’s edition of Carols by Candlelight was one for the books.
Held Sunday evening at Ilaro Court, the family event befitted its 30th anniversary with a stellar cast of entertainment, an extra hour of show time and a festive atmosphere which cemented its place in the annals of Barbados’ history as a Christmas tradition.
The air inside the Prime Minister’s official residence at Two Mile Hill, St Michael crackled with excitement, as hundreds and hundreds of patrons, many of whom lugged folding chairs, blankets, quilts, mats and comforters, settled in on the expansive lawns to soak in the festive cheer.
As is customary, pre-show entertainment was provided by the Darryll Jordan Steel Orchestra who played in the gazebo, and Trumpet Boy Entertainment’s musicians who strolled around the grounds.
As the event band came on stage and co-MCS, Barbados’ Ambassador to the United States and the OAS Vic Fernandes who flew in just for the event and Chrispen Hackett, a buzz floated across the air. After the playing of the national anthem, a prayer was offered by Davina Layne, secretary of the event host, Rotary Club of Barbados, and remarks came from its president Jeff Evelyn who said the event was more than a concert.
He said through the generosity of sponsors and patrons’ kindness over the years, the service club’s largest fundraiser enabled them to “touch the lives of countless children and families in some of the most deserving communities”.
“Every candle you hold … represents hope, hope, that shines far beyond this evening. On behalf of all Rotarians and every life that will be brighter because you chose to be here, may the light you hold tonight guide you through Christmas and into the new year with joy, health, and peace,” he said.
The entertainment was divided into five segments. The audience enjoyed the performances by Terencia TC Coward, who was back for her second consecutive year, Khiomal, and Ian iWeb Webster in “Bajan Christmas”. They sang, respectively, the late Richard Stoute’s Rocksteady Christmas Party and The Draytons Two’s The Things of Christmas, Bumba’s Why Can’t This Christmas Feeling Go On and The Christmas Hymn, which iWeb released in December 2015.
During the “Christmas Fun” segment which followed, spoken word artiste DJ Simmons performed Christmas is Here which, though providing some levity, showed the stark reality of the season for some people. Madd’s Eric Lewis and Kevin KB Kleen Hinds did She Mistake Me for Santa Claus which evoked laughter from many people and Christmas Road March. The audience loved their performance and eagerly responded to their call to “put those candles in the air”. This year, LED “candles” were used instead of the typical ones with open flames distributed throughout the years.
Élevé Performing Arts Centre dancers’ choreography toCarol of the Bells was well received and rounded out this session which was followed by “Traditional Christmas” featuring G-Syndicate who did Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and This Christmas to loud applause, Shernelle Boyce sang What Child is This, Mr Showman sang his reggae version remake of Mary, Did You Know?, Marzville performed Every Year, Every Christmas and the popular St Cyprian’s Boys’ School choir and band, thrilled with their renditions ofO Come All Ye Faithful fused with Bring Joy and Parang.
By this time, dozens of children from toddlers to teens were in front of the stage watched by their parents and guardians dancing and singing merrily. And, at the introduction of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, with outstretched hands they greeted her enthusiastically adding to the loud cheers from the
massive audience which continued to swell throughout the show.
In her brief remarks, Mottley told the Rotarians to continue the “excellent work” they do and noted that events like Carols by Candlelight “bring down blood pressure” and make people smile.
The singalong was different this year. With Euphony Steel Orchestra providing musical accompaniment, Mikey and his Rotarian colleague Katrina led everyone in singing Jingle Bells and Santa Claus is Coming to Town and he did, evoking delightful screams and broad smiles from the children, evidence that they haven’t stop believing in the magic of the season.
In addition to Mikey and Katrina also singing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, the adults were equally enthused by the performances from Nikita, cultural ambassador Alison Hinds and Biggie Irie who was joined by Natahlee. They sang Deck the Halls, Angels We Have Heard on High and Little Drummer Boy respectively.
Soon it was time for the finale “Caribbean Christmas”. The audience was treated to performances from Jamal Slocombe singing Put Christ in your Christmas, Natahlee doing Carolling, Carolling, Neesha Woodz with her original song This Christmas Feeling and Mr Blood with his 2025 release Christmas Mood.
There was also John Yarde singing his Christmas Caribbean, cultural ambassador The Most Honourable Stedson Red Plastic Bag Wiltshire sang seasonal favourite Maisie which got people of all ages moving and Yarde and Mikey’s Christmas is Here, the final song for the show which was fantastic.
While the entertainment and lighting of the candles are what some people look forward most, for others, based on a random survey, it is the relaxing atmosphere, a chance to be with their loved ones and the food such as gruntleys that bring them back annually.
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