The 2026 Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop Finals have been moved from Kensington Oval to CARIFESTA House, Waterford, St Michael, to accommodate preparations for the State Service of Thanksgiving for The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers.The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) announced on Wednesday that the competition will still be held on Friday, July 31, beginning at 8 p.m.The Finals were originally scheduled for Kensington Oval but the venue became unavailable following the announcement that the State Service of Thanksgiving for Barbados’ National Hero will take place there on Wednesday, July 29.The NCF said preparations for an occasion of that magnitude extend beyond the day of the service and include ceremonial, protocol, security, broadcast, technical and operational requirements, as well as the preparation and restoration of the venue.It said the two-day gap between the State Service and the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals did not provide enough time to prepare Kensington Oval for both events while maintaining the standards expected of each.“Following a comprehensive assessment of the circumstances, relocation emerged as the most responsible means of preserving the Finals within the Crop Over calendar,” the Foundation said.The NCF said CARIFESTA House had already successfully hosted several Crop Over events this year, including the Republic Bank Pan Yard Lime, Fusions and the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Finals, making it a suitable alternative venue.It added that production, technical and operational teams are working to configure the venue for the Finals, including staging, lighting, sound, audience movement, safety, accessibility, accreditation and other logistical requirements.The Foundation acknowledged that the late venue change would require adjustments by finalists, tent managers, musicians, arrangers, sponsors, vendors, media organisations and patrons.While apologising for the inconvenience, the NCF thanked stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during what it described as an exceptional national moment.“The relocation allows both responsibilities to be met with the care and respect they deserve,” the statement said.
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