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GospelfestBarbados Gospelfest was established in 1993 by what was then known as the Barbados Tourist Board. The festival was the brainchild of the then Minister of Tourism Wes Hall, now Rev. Wes Hall, and the first event was a joint production between the Barbados Tourist Board and Mr. Alvin Jones of the USA. The parties brought Dr. Bobby Jones of Bobby Jones Gospel on board and this arrangement gave the festival and Barbados exposure to the international gospel community through its airing on Dr. Jones' television program on Black Entertainment Television (BET). From its inception top international Gospel artistes participated in the festival. These included, Dorothy Norwood, James Moore, Ben Tankard, Douglas Miller and then emerging artistes, Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin.
In 1995 the responsibility for the production of the festival was passed on to the Gospelfest Organising Committee made up of persons from the Christian community who had been involved in the planning for the first two years. The committee was chaired by Barbadian event manager, Adrian Agard. In 2003 Gospelfest (Barbados) Inc. was incorporated to carry on the management of the festival.
While maintaining the mandate of attracting visitors to the island of Barbados, consistent efforts were made to ground Barbados Gospelfest as a Barbadian/Caribbean festival with an international appeal, incorporating and reflecting strong elements of the cultural reality of the Caribbean. This was done by ensuring that local and regional artistes participated and shared the stage with the international acts.
Opportunities were also given for the exposure and development of a wider range of artistic expression including dance and mime.
The international nature of the festival has been characterised by the scope of participation with artistes being drawn from countries outside Barbados such as Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, Jamaica, US Virgin Islands, the French island of Martinique, and the USA among others.
Leading exponents of Gospel music in Barbados such as Joseph Niles, Sis. Magarita Marshall, Promise, Tony Lowe, The Miracles and Gratitude have graced the Gospelfest stage and contributed to the success of the festival, while venues such as Farley Hill National Park (first used in 2004), the Jackie Opel Amphitheatre, and Heroes Square have added a unquie caché to the festival, branding it as distinctly Barbadian.
Over the years the list of international and regional artistes has been impressive. Leading Gospel artistes such as Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Alvin Slaughter, Tramaine Hawkins, Candi Staton, Harrella Goodwin, the late Ras Shorty I of Trinidad & Tobago, Richard Smallwood & Vision, Keith Staten, and Shine the Light have all left their imprint on the festival which has emerged as "the Caribbean’s Premier Gospel Festival."
Vision of Gospelfest (Barbados) Inc.Gospelfest (Barbados) Inc. exists to produce Barbados Gospelfest, the premier international Christian music and arts festival promoting the life changing impact of the Holy Spirit in all persons who make contact with the festival.
Mission of Gospelfest (Barbados) Inc.In pursuing its vision Gospelfest (Barbados) Inc. has determined that the Barbados Gospelfest will:
The above information on Barbados Gospelfest was sourced directly from their website. For further information on Barbados Gospelfest click here.
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Your Ultimate Guide To Barbados
There are so many things to do and see here in Barbados!
View all of our best tours and start your adventure today!
Barbados Pocket Guide
Welcome to the Barbados Pocket Guide, a comprehensive source of information about our island, it's people, culture and life in general. We also have tons of information on places to stay, flights, car hire and tours of the island, all here! Enjoy visiting our site and please feel free to write a comment or send us a message directly with articles you think we need to add.
Things To Do!
Island Safari
Island Safari offers a unique jeep safari experience on our zebra striped, specially designed 4x4 jeeps. Climb on board our comfortable cabs and let us show you what the others leave out, specifically the most scenic locations of the island by travelling on and off the beaten track.
Harrison's Cave
Explore Barbados' underground! At the heart of the island lies a great geological wonder, the magnificent Harrison's Cave. Admire the crystallized, limestone cave, its flowing streams, deep pools and towering columns as you travel by tram or get up close and personal with the Eco-Adventure Tour.
Catamaran Cruise
Lay back, relax and sunbathe as you sail across the calm Caribbean Sea. Explore the crystal clear waters as you swim and snorkel with the tropical fish and majestic turtles. Then, enjoy a scrumptious lunch as you admire the beautiful rolling coastline and sparkling water.
Mount Gay Visitor Centre
Make a stop at the world renowned Mount Gay Rum Distillery and discover the secrets behind Barbados’ finest and most celebrated spirit, in the island where rum was invented! Witness the history of Mount Gay as you journey with them through their rich heritage, proven artisanship and unique taste.
SunTours Special
Grab the SunTours Special with SunTours Barbados and see all the most popular spots in Barbados! Immerse yourself in the interesting history of this island, view the most picturesque scenes and enjoy a delicious Bajan style lunch at a well favoured local spot.
Animal Flower Cave
The colourful walls and the fascinating sea anemones at the Animal Flower Cave draw a crowd, but the amazing pools, some of which are deep enough to swim in, are the real attraction. While here, take a stroll over to the cliffs to feel the refreshing sea breeze and take in the stunning seascape.
Check Out Our Restaurants
Chefette - $
A favourite for Bajans, this fast food restaurant with 15 locations across the country, is a must try!
Oistins Fish Fry - $
Visit Oistins Fish Fry, especially on Fridays and Saturdays for a deliciously cultural experience.
Salt Café - $$
From the popular truffle fries and baos to the delicious salted caramel brownie, their menu delights all foodies.
Cocktail Kitchen - $$
Located in St. Lawrence Gap, one of the best night life areas of Barbados, Cocktail Kitchen is redefining Caribbean cuisine and cocktails.
Tides Restaurant - $$$
The Tides Restaurant is one of the leading restaurants located on the water’s edge of the West coast of Barbados. Bring to life any celebration or simply brighten your trip to Barbados through the culinary and service experience provided by The Tides Restaurant and its team!
Champers Restaurant - $$$
Experience Champers – where a special combination of delicious food, consistently good service with romantic picturesque views of the waterside resides.