Ebuzz News
This October, We ‘Runaway’ to Tobago For The Sweetest All Inclusive.
In one month, the island of Tobago will be in carnival mode. It’s third annual Carnival staging is an anticipated calendar event to carnival chasers, worldwide. Promotional powerhouse, Kairi People, hosts of mainstay events like Runaway, Different, AWP, N’ouvert, JBI and Breakfast Is, are in full support of the Tobago carnival product, and once again, the team is heading back to the island, ready to deliver something that’s top tier – something Tobago deserves.
Set to host its third edition of ‘Runaway’ Tobago, on October 16th, event organizer, Richard Gordon says this is one of the premiere events that can ultimately be used as a marker for the people who live overseas. “They can come in to Tobago from that day or the day before. This is the event that will energize the atmosphere leading into the Carnival.”
As usual, Runaway’s theme remains consistent, the event being hosted midweek on what is a normal working day. “It’s not a holiday. Patrons always make it their business to be at Runaway from midday, leaving work early or doing whatever is necessary to be there,” said Gordon.
The effort to deliver Kairi People’s ‘Runaway’ in Tobago is very intentional. “I have hired Tobago’s DJs, our MC is from Tobago and we included two upcoming artistes from Tobago last year. The aim is to showcase the talent that lies in Tobago, as well,” said Gordon.
The Kairi People brand has over the years, stood hard and fast to the mantra, ‘value for money.’ Their outfit spares no cost in delivering the perfect array of Caribbean cuisine and tantalizing cocktails. Runaway Tobago will offer the ambience of Pigeon Point’s scenic oceanfront view, added to which, Gordon says those coming to the event can feel free to enjoy a splash if they so desire. “The dress code for the event is usually elegantly casual. It’s really not beachwear, but of course, if you so desire, you can enjoy the beach, grab your drink and go back into the water,” said Gordon.
This event in particular, has offered patrons coming over from Trinidad, the option of return airfare included in their ticket packages. “The response has been very good. The last flight is already totally booked to return to Trinidad. People are opting to fly over and spend the night in Tobago after the event. Some are making it a long weekend too,” he shared. Patrons coming over from Trinidad will also have storage unit access, should they choose to walk with additional clothing.
Runaway has always been an anticipated event in T&T. From its humble beginnings as an event built and shared among friends, to years later, an annual staple- first in Trinidad and now, a sure part of the Tobago Carnival landscape, Richard Gordon is pleased. “This event isn’t officially aligned with the Tobago Tourism Agency, but I’m doing my part to add to the Tobago tourism product,” he assured.
Colourful and vibrant clothing and décor the order, Runaway will see performances by De All Starz Band, which includes, Viking Ding Dong and College Boy Jesse. Added to the lineup is, Waddicks who has been enjoying a very busy post carnival 2024 year, and the incomparable, Farmer Nappy. “We continue to engage entertainers ahead of the event, and we guarantee that for an affordable $600 all inclusive, patrons will have the time of their lives on sister isle, Tobago,” said the organizer.
Ebuzz News
Culture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
A move in line with government’s commitment to creating balance and encouraging expansion in T&T’s overall cultural experience; This is how the country’s Culture and Community Development Minister responded this afternoon to criticism meted out to government as word spread that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer be used as a fete venue.
Minister Michelle Benjamin, declaring her support for the Prime Minister said residents living in close proximity to the cricket academy, have voiced their concerns regarding the excessive sound levels generated by large scale events. Major carnival fetes have seen patron attendance exceeding 10,000 in recent years, according to promoters.
Opened in 2017, the Tarouba sporting facility is managed by the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago. UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee, speaking on the issue with the Trinidad Express said events hosted outside of the stadium have led to wear and tear of the facility. He explained that annual costs for the overall maintenance of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, exceed $10million.
The Promoter’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile, has condemned the move, saying, the government’s sudden ban on the use of UDeCOTT facilities for soca and other Carnival related events is destructive and short-sighted. Questioning the “real intent behind the move,” the association argues that the move is viewed as a top-down decision, made without consultation with the sector. Arguing that several promoters have already secured the venue ahead of Carnival 2026, the TTPA said, “For all those affected, tickets have been sold, venues advertised, and patrons have made travel and accommodation plans to align with confirmed events.” The organization is questioning how this move benefits the entire country.
Culture Minister Gives Reassurance
In her statement, Minister Benjamin explained that citizens should view the decision as part of the government’s broader vision to not only expand carnival beyond its traditional footprint, but to ensure the wellbeing of all communities. “As part of the expansion of Carnival, we are not saying that we are stopping fetes. What we are doing is working to identify and promote more appropriate spaces that can enhance the experience, while reducing any negative impact that could possibly arise.”
The Minister said the ultimate aim is to ensure that carnival continues to thrive as a celebration of creativity, unity and national identity. She said Carnival must reflect the rhythm of T&T’s people while striking the right balance between culture, community and progress.
Ebuzz News
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad will no longer be a venue option for events other than cricket. This announcement comes as preparations are well underway, by promoters for Carnival 2026.
The decision made by the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDECOTT) now leaves some promoters scrambling, as the decision takes place with immediate effect.
UDECOTT claims that the facility was not meant to facilitate fete events, noting that maintenance costs amount to approximately $15 million annually.
Carnival events like Xperience, Stink N Dutty, and last year’s inaugural MEGA concert headlined by Machel Montano, attract in excess of 10,000 patrons according to promoters, leaving questions as to where such massive audience numbers can be contained, along with parking facilitation.
The carnival events, while staged in the stadium’s car park, has led to significant wear and tear and damage to the facility, according to UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee. In an interview with the Trinidad Express newspaper, he is quoted as saying, “The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is for cricket. That is the purpose of it. It was not built for fetes.” He went on to affirm, “It’s for cricket and we will use it for cricket only. So there are to be no fetes at the stadium.”
For quite some time, there have been concerns raised by carnival stakeholders, regarding the need for viable venues across the country, for the delivery of large scale events.
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Ebuzz News4 days agoThe Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
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Ebuzz News5 days ago“This Project Come from a Real Place — From Loss, Learning, Faith.” – POPCAAN.
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Ebuzz News3 days agoCulture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
