Every December, and, for the last 25 years, the Rotary Club of Barbados has successfully hosted Carols by Candlelight on the manicured grounds of the Prime Minister’s official residence which is normally transformed into a Christmas wonderland with lighted Christmas tree and candle lights.
The club has created an exciting family show attracting up to 7,000 patrons (locals as well as visitors) who have made it a regular feature on their Barbados Calendar of Events.
This live open-air concert usually combines presentations by young performers, seasoned artistes, and performing icons. The highlights of the show include:
- Collection of wrapped Christmas gifts at the gate for distribution to less fortunate Children
- Carols sing along by candlelight.
- Featured remarks by the sitting Prime Minister
- Special Carols by Candlelight food and drinks
- Family and friends gathering on the lawn creating a picnic while enjoying the concert.
It has been such a staple in Barbados’s Yuletide festivities that it has been said to mark the beginning of Christmas on the island. Carols by Candlelight Barbados – Where the joy of Christmas comes to Light!
This annual event is the club’s major fundraiser. Funds raised are used to execute community projects planned for the following year including the major project for year 2021 which is to install water tanks at 21 secondary schools on island. The event is normally managed by the Fundraising Committee chaired by the President Elect of that year; in this case the team of 20 was led by PE Robin Ford.
After that first committee meeting (March 3rd), the event was slated to be held on December 13, 2020. However, changes began to take place around the world and uncertainty became the new certainty. Without missing a step, some major decisions were taken at the April 29th fundraising committee online meeting.
As Barbados and the world began to go through various degrees of lockdown, it soon became apparent that a new method of delivering the show had to be developed and committee members began to explore the possibility of delivering Carols by Candlelight as an online show. By the month of May the online show was conceptualized and the idea of a live show at the Drive-in was introduced.
The show would not have been possible without the support of sponsors hence PE Robin and his team began approaching potential sponsors with the idea of an online show. The Club received good support from Corporate Barbados; a good indication that the show must go on!
By July after exploring the Covid-19 guidelines discussions moved to airing a pre-recorded show at the Drive-in rather than a live show. One of the ideas was a ‘Best of Carols by Candlelight’ show combining footage of videos from previous years however, it was eventually settled that live performances will be recorded with PP Norman in charge of this aspect. By August he had a working paper with some confirmed artists and performers, a budget, and more.
On the 26th anniversary of Carols by Candlelight Barbados the fundraising committee decided to host its first Virtual Carols by Candlelight. This new concept was introduced to the public on November 19, 2020 at a media launch held at The Hilton Barbados.
On December 14th and 15th, 2020 the spectacular and historic show premiered at the Globe Drive-In. About 600 cars carrying family and friends attended the events. Besides the Fundraising Committee, club Members and Rotaractors turned out in large numbers to assist with parking, temperature checks, cleaning, ticket sales and to ensure the show ran smoothly. From all reviews, patrons were delighted and amazed at quality of the show.
On December 20th, the show was transferred to a global virtual event; streamed at 4pm and 8pm AST on the club’s official website ( https://carolsbycandlelightbarbados.com/ ) which was developed primarily for that purpose. Viewers got the opportunity to assist the club in continuing its projects by making a cash donation and the show received raved reviews.
On Christmas day the show was aired on the local television station – CBC Barbados, which made it possible for all persons on island to view the show along with the featured remarks from Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
To view more information on the history of Carols by Candlelight Barbados and to assist the club in continuing to serve the community please click the following link:
Despite the pandemic Carols by Candlelight Barbados continues to be a success!