Caribbean reggae fans will be in their element from 26-29 April 2024 as the inaugural Barbados Reggae Weekend takes place at the island’s National Botanical Gardens.

This revamped event is a scaled down version of Barbados’ popular annual reggae festival but enthusiasts can still expect four-days of premium music from some of the best local, regional, and international reggae artists.

Speaking recently at the official launch for the reggae weekend, director Ryan Brathwaite admitted he was stepping into “big shoes” but promised patrons “quality entertainment.”

He said: “We want Barbadians to enjoy quality events, quality reggae events in the month of April, which they have traditionally enjoyed for the last 20 years, and we know that with events come a lot of economic activity for artistes, service providers, vendors, and entrepreneurs who apply their trades…we wanted to make sure that persons do not miss out on that opportunity this year.”

Headline performers at the ‘Reggae in the Gardens’ event will include UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Masicka, Ghost, Queen Ifrica, and Rite Side of Red. Morgan Heritage will also perform a special tribute to Peetah Morgan.

The schedule for the 2024 reggae weekend is as follows:

Friday 26 April

‘Legends of Reggae’ (Vintage) at the Reggae Village, National Botanical Gardens

Doors open 7pm – showtime at 9pm

Saturday 27 April

‘Showdown’ at the Reggae Village, National Botanical Gardens

Doors open 7pm – showtime at 9pm

Sunday 28 April 

‘Reggae in the Gardens’ at the Reggae Village, National Botanical Gardens

Doors open 3pm – showtime at 6pm

Monday 29 April

Reggae Wavez – The Cruise on MC Buccaneer and MC Inspire II from 7pm to 11pm.

Early bird tickets are on sale now at select box offices including the iShop in Sheraton Mall, A&B Music Supplies in Wildey, and CS Pharmacy on Broad Street, or online at www.ticketlinkz.com.

For more information visit the official Barbados Reggae Weekend Facebook page.

Sources: Loop News Barbados and Barbados Today.