Come out to B’town Market!

Barbadians and visitors are being encouraged to support the artists and artisans who will be plying their trade at Bridgetown Market over next few days.

 

Such was the appeal of Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Cranston Browne, who delivered remarks and officially declared this year’s Market open on Saturday evening.

 

Browne also highlighted the historical significance of the annual event, which has been a feature of the Crop Over Festival “since its rebirth in 1974”. Mention was additionally made of the commercial importance of Bridgetown Market, which on this occasion is powered by FLOW. 

 

Browne also shared that continued interest has been shown by the local cultural practitioners in this event with some of them purchasing stall spaces from as early as May. 

“This year in particular, we saw a renewed interest from vendors, small business owners looking to ply their trade in this cauldron of local craft, art, agriculture and culinary arts, in order to generate revenue during the highest traffic period for the season, to attract potential regional and international buyers for their wares. As early as May this year, some of the designated stall space areas were sold out, which was unprecedented.” 

 

Though vendors reported slow sales early Saturday afternoon, many remain optimistic that things would pick up later, Sunday through to Tuesday. 

 

Those present at Bridgetown Market made purchases of items including leather craft, jewellery, clothing and plants. They also enjoyed performances by members of Sing Out Barbados, the Barbados Landship, the visiting carnival group from Guadeloupe and singer, Charles Odell on the main stage in the Craft Village on the playing field located next door to Courts Limited.(MG)