The Barbados High Commission, London & The National Council of Barbadian
Associations (UK), are hosting a number of events in celebration of Barbados’ 40th year of
Independence. This year will also see other events coordinated/supported by other Barbadian
Associations across the UK and details of these events will be published when available.
HOSTED EVENTS & TIMINGS
List of hosted events and timings for each is as follows:
Lectures:
There will be four lectures each focusing on a topic associated within a global context. Each
lecture will also cover the challenges for Barbados in the twenty-first century and beyond.
• Lecture One: This was held on 28th January 2006 to commemorate Errol Barrow Day in
Barbados. It was held at the South Bank University, London. The keynote speaker was
Mr Winston Cox, Deputy Secretary-General Commonwealth Secretariat and the
subject focused was: Barbados: Model of Security and Prosperity
• Lecture Two: This will take place on the 27th May, to commemorate Heroes Day in
Barbados and it will be held at the Civic Centre, Reading, Berkshire. The keynote
speaker will be Dr Hudson Husbands, Chairman Barbados Tourism Authority, Barbados.
The subject focus will be: Barbados’ Tourism: What Future?
• Lecture Three: This is scheduled to take place on or around 1st August, to
commemorate Emancipation Day in Barbados. Venue, keynote speaker and topic TBA.
• Lecture Four: This is scheduled to take place early to mid November, to commemorate,
Barbados Independence Day. Venue, keynote speaker and topic TBA.
Admission to all lectures is free
Barbados Expo:This will take place at London Olympia from 18th to 20th August 2006, with private/buyers day on
the 18th and public admittance on 19th and 20th.
The Expo is designed to create
marketing opportunities for Barbadian products and services in
the UK and to bring together potential investors and distributors.
Admission Adults £10, under 12’ £5
Cultural Extravaganza:This will be a series of art & cultural events covering music, dance, drama, and poetry.
It will take place during the Barbados Expo at Olympia on the 19th and 20th August 2006
Admission to Culture Extravaganza is covered by admission to Expo
40th Independence Thanksgiving Service:This is scheduled to take place on the 26th November (nearest Sunday to Barbados’
Independence day, 30th November) at Coventry Cathedral, Coventry.
There are a number of other activities being explored for the day as part of this event to enable
those travelling from afar to have a full day.
Admission to the 40th Independence Thanksgiving Service is free
40th Anniversary Awards and Gala Dinner
The event will be the grand finale of the 40th Anniversary celebrations. It will honour and
celebrate Barbadian achievement in the UK over the past 40 years. It will take place at the
Novotel Hotel London West, Hammersmith on Saturday 9th December 2006, and will consist of:
1. Reception
2. Main dinner
3. Awards covering a number of categories, i.e.:
a. Services to Local UK Community reflecting Education; Business; Sports; Arts &
Culture; Health; Media
b. Young people’s Award - Sports and Academic achievements
c. Special Independence Award recognizing outstanding service to UK & Barbados
4. Entertainment performances
5. Dancing/Networking
Admission to the 40th Anniversary Awards and Gala Dinner, TBA
EVENTS HOSTED BY OTHER BARBADIAN ASSOCIATIONS Barbados Costume Band: - “The Bajan Revellers” for Notting Hill Carnival
This year’s Notting Hill Carnival will see the inclusion of a Barbados costume band, “The Bajan
Revellers” to highlight and promote the art & culture of Barbados. This will also enable us to
start and continue the process of engaging our youth in the wider aspects of Caribbean arts and
culture within our multicultural society.
A Costume Band launch and fundraising event for “The Bajan Revellers” will take place on
Saturday 20th May 2006 at Lambeth Town Hall, starting at 8:00pm
Admission to the Notting Hill Carnival Bajan Revellers Launch Band Event is £10
A number of other local Barbadian Associations across the UK will either be hosting or taking
part in a variety of events to help celebrate 40 years of Barbados’ Independence and these will
be publicised as soon as further details are available.
Further information on these events or Barbados 40th Anniversary Celebrations can be
obtained from:
Barbados High Commission on: –
020 7631 4975; email:
london@foriegn.gov.bb
National Council of Barbadian Associations (UK) on: -
020 8969 0417, 07736 898 889, 07949 141 116; email:
ncobauk@yahoo.co.uk
The Bajan Revellers Launch Band Event & Carnival entry on: -
07736 898 889; 07930 907 354; email:
jhinds@harris.com or
blackrockboy@hotmail.com
