Ready for the Artistry weekend

THE highly-anticipated Hennessy Artistry show coming up this weekend has seen a decrease in sponsorship but directors of FAS 7 Star, producers of the event, are giving the assurance that any fall off will not affect the show.

Speaking to members of the media following a site visit with vendors and other support staff at Kensington Oval yesterday morning, Directors Al Gilkes and Allison Hunte said they are mindful of the economic challenges which has hit both sponsors and patrons and are working accordingly.

According to Hunte, “They (sponsors) are also experiencing what is happening in the economy. So we are seeing a decline in sponsorship; not because they don’t want to sponsor the event but because their budgets have shrunk and therefore what they extend that they can offer has also declined.”

“There will be no fall out from that fall in sponsorship. We have our standards and we will still deliver... The show must go on as they say,” she mused, adding that new sponsors have also come on board.

She said a concerted effort has been made to keep prices down, recognising that the economy has been really “tough” on people.

“Like everything else in Barbados we are also feeling the effect of additional costs and expenses to produce the event on the scale that we produce it. If a service provider goes up on their costs it gets extended to us and it increases our costs. But we have done our best to keep our tickets at an affordable costs because we recognise that this is a trying time.”

The directors also gave the assurance that adequate security will be put in place during the show.  Gilkes told the media that security has always been a primary focus of the organisers even though there have never been any major incidents of people breaking the law, being injured or property being damaged. They noted that if the Buju Banton show held earlier this year is anything to go by, security will be well taken care of, as the necessary support precautions will be put in place for the event. Hennessy Artistry will take place on Saturday at the Kensington Oval while Hennessy Artistry on the Beach will be held on Sunday at Daiquiri Beach. (JH)