After weeks of back-and-forth consultations between the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), competing calypsonian finalists, and performance tent managers, Barbados’ iconic 2026 Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop competition has secured a new permanent venue: the National Botanical Gardens. Crucially, the event’s original scheduled timing – 8 p.m. on Friday, July 31 – will stay unchanged, eliminating potential confusion for ticketholders and performers alike.
This third venue shift traces back to a major national commemoration: preparations for the State Service of Thanksgiving honoring Sir Garfield Sobers, Barbados’ beloved national hero and legendary cricket icon. The competition was first moved from its long-time home at Kensington Oval to CARIFESTA House in Waterford to clear space for event organizers working on the national tribute. However, stakeholders raised concerns about CARIFESTA House’s suitability, prompting the NCF to launch a full round of inclusive negotiations to find a more fitting space.
In an official statement released late Friday, the NCF confirmed that after evaluating multiple potential sites, all participating parties reached a consensus on the National Botanical Gardens. Ronnie Clarke, better known by his professional moniker Ronnie De Announcer, represented the interests of calypsonians and tent managers throughout the negotiation process, ensuring all concerns were heard directly. Kensington Oval, the original host, remained off the table because the timeline for the July 29 State Service did not leave enough time to reset and prepare the grounds for the competition just two days later.
Beyond settling on a new venue, the collaborative discussions helped bridge understanding between all groups about why the initial venue change was unavoidable. “During the negotiations, the finalists and tent managers agreed on the National Botanical Gardens as their preferred venue and the best path forward in the interests of the calypsonians, patrons and the integrity of the competition,” the NCF statement noted.
Following the stakeholder agreement, NCF Chief Executive Officer formally secured all required government approvals from top national leaders, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Senator Shane A. Archer, Minister of State with responsibility for Youth and Culture, as well as sign-off from the NCF Board of Management.
“This outcome reflects a constructive and collaborative process, with all parties now united in moving forward,” the statement added. The NCF extended its gratitude to finalists, tent managers, and all involved stakeholders for their flexibility and cooperation, noting that its teams and event partners are already working tirelessly to transform the National Botanical Gardens into a world-class performance space. Organizers say they are committed to delivering a polished, memorable, grand spectacle that delivers an exceptional experience for both performing artistes and attending patrons.