Even as the curtain comes down on the hive of Cricket Carnival activities this week, it is wrapping up with an eclectic line up of events.
The capstone of the activities will be the planned Cricket Carnival Road Parade, which will see the participation of scores of locals and foreigners.
The road parade commences from the Bank of Guyana on Main Street and heads east on to Church Street. It will then turn unto Irving Street and head north towards the Kitty roundabout. It is expected that there will be live performances from local artistes to bring the curtains down.
Bands such as Pulse Warriors and Genesis Carnival have announced that they are getting ready for the road march and are putting the final arrangements in place. Costume distribution has also commenced for both bands.
Meanwhile, Orlando-based Melange Mas Band, which was specially created for members from the diaspora to experience Guyana and Cricket Carnival, is also preparing to field a 200-member strong delegation. Organiser Guenet Gittens-Roberts, who is a coordinator of Orlando Carnival, told The Scene that being Guyanese and wanting to contribute to the growth of Cricket Carnival they jumped at the opportunity to participate.
They were initially approached by the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commence to establish a band. Building off of the momentum from Orlando Carnival, Gittens-Roberts said they decided to spread the word and encourage Guyanese who have not been home in years to visit.
She said their objective this year is to allow visitors to experience Guyana and cricket carnival and take back the enjoyable stories to those in the diaspora.
However, she said while they are encouraging persons from the diaspora to play mas with them, they are also encouraging local Guyanese to do the same.
“Whether you are wearing a Carnival headpiece, carnival costume or bodysuit, we will give you the biggest, baddest Carnival experience on the road,” the band’s website states.
Under the band they are offering three different packages, which start from US$100, with all-inclusive meals and drinks on carnival day and for selected events.
tens-Roberts said a group is already here and by yesterday another group was expected to arrive. In the next year, they are hoping to partner with other bands and artists, including Bunji Garlin and Fayon Lyons, to make the parade even more memorable.
Meanwhile, after the planned super concert featuring soca artiste Patrice Roberts and legendary reggae artiste Beres Hammond, on Thursday, patrons are expected in their numbers for the second super concert scheduled for tonight. It will be headlined by soca star Machel Montano and dancehall sensations Spice and Skillibeng. Organisers also announced that overseas based Guyanese Jourdin Pauline, who is known for her “Trap” take on pop music will join the line-up of performers. Both concerts will be held at the Guyana National Stadium.
Tickets for both concerts can be purchased at the HJ Box Office, Fireside Grill, Xtra Energy (Stabroek Market), Stove Top Restaurant, LaRose Boutique, That Look Boutique, White Castle Fish Shop, World Access Top Shop (Mackenzie), Exclusive Styles Boutique, Everest Cricket Club, Hard Rock Café, Giftland Department Store, Tribe Gastronomic Lounge, Kings Jewellery World, Two Brothers Gas Station (Vreed-en-Hoop & Vergenoegen) and Xs Bar & Lounge.
