Liquid Gold Feast, the grand finale of the 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival, was a night of decadent cuisine, dazzling décor and sublime music from every genre to whet the appetite.
The experience began even before guests entered the venue. As patrons stepped off the shuttles, any beads of sweat that dared appear were swiftly managed by a make-up touch-up station positioned right at the entrance.
Though the brisk-moving lines did not allow much time to linger, those making their way in were treated to the smooth harmonies of G-Syndicate, who transformed even soca favourites like Gorg’s I Got My Rum into a sweet, soulful ballad.
Inside, the space was unrecognisable. Recently used for CARIFESTA, the venue had been completely transformed – a visual feast that reflected the care taken with every detail of the décor. Around the room, some of the island’s best chefs and mixologists offered dishes and cocktails that screamed Barbados, catering to even the most discerning of palates.
Adding to the ambience, the Darrien Bailey Band earned their fair share of chef’s kisses. Opening with the spine-tingling vocals of Israel Allen, the band immediately set the mood with crowd favourites like Michael Jackson’s Rock with You and Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Each performer held the audience transfixed, transporting them to another space and time with every note.
Among the standout acts was Brian Carter, who took the stage by storm with Teddy Swims’ Lose Control. A showman in his own right, Carter showcased his musicality by playing two recorders simultaneously. His performance was riveting as he impressed with classic hits like Ladies’ Night. His infectious energy made it impossible not to get caught up in his euphoria. Also in the exceptional line-up was Kweku Jelani, who added some reggae into the cohobblopot of music with Bob Marley’s Lively Up Yourself, showing his skill on the horn.
The women, of course, were not to be outdone. Shadia Marshall was a powerhouse on Tina Turner’s Simply the Best and equally dynamic on Cher’s Believe. The crowd was deafening as they belted out Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive. Casheda Dottin, Marissa Lindsay and Ch’An each brought soulful energy that rocked the house, while Nikita paid homage to local icon Rihanna, leading a rousing singalong of her Hopeless Place before switching gears with some of her own soca hits.
Tapping into that same high-energy vibe, Edwin Yearwood brought the sweetness of spouge and the excitement of soca to the stage. The night reached its climax with DJ Puffy, who from the outset made it clear he did not want any “stush” behaviour – and the crowd happily obliged.
The style choices were as bold as the flavours. Metallics shimmered throughout the crowd, sequinned dresses sparkled under the lights and the men were dapper in their suits – the fashion matched the festive atmosphere perfectly.
For most, the evening was nothing short of spectacular. Sonia, who flew in from Tobago for the event, said: “A lovely, premium event, well thought out and well crafted. I would definitely come again!”
Another patron summed up: “Liquid Gold was a fantastic event. It owes me nothing… but curry oxtail, better signage and a loot bag. There was some signage, but it was very minimal.” Her only disappointment? The much-anticipated curry oxtail had run out by 10 p.m.
She recommended: “Where they had those big, beautiful stars and balloons, some signs would have helped, instead of having to ask the chefs and their assistants what’s on the table. People like me who don’t mind reading would have appreciated the signage.”
A small hiccup in an otherwise golden evening that lived up to its name – Liquid Gold Feast – successfully closing out the 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival.
(STT)
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