Barbarossa first on stage on Adam Smith stage

The Merry Monarch was sovereign ruler, as bands proceeded across the Adam Smith Square judging point yesterday.

Barbarossa’s “Comme Se Comme Sa” was first to cross at about 11:30am with a relatively small but lively parade. A clear sky accompanied by the gleaming sun was the backdrop as masqueraders from Legends “Bedazzled” accompanied by Allison Hinds and Square One displayed their Carnival spirit. At approximately 12:50, Starlift Old Boys and Starlift Orchestra paraded before the judges with their presentation of “If My Friends Could See Me Now”. Parading to the sound of steel pan, this proved to be one of the more organised and most colourful of the bands on the day and one of the few bands displaying their costumes in full. Former Finance Minister Brian Quei Tung with the Koskelle presentation, “We Roots” portrayed various ethnic themes. The band was accompanied by Invaders, Phase II and Woodbrook Playboyz Steel bands.

With a small but passionate contingent, Peter Minshall’s production crossed the Adam Smith judging point. Although the revellers didn’t don their much anticipated sailor costumes, they were not to be out done as they wore all black and passionately waved white rags as they crossed, creating a most entertaining scene. Undoubtedly the largest of the Monday bands, Poison’s “Fleurs de Passion held the spotlight for just under an hour. Machel Montano had the Poison revellers, including President Max Richards, in a frenzy with, “It’s Carnival”. At this point, Minister of National Security, Howard Chin-Lee made an appearance, spectating from the sidewalk of the Adam Smith Square but frequently singing along to the sounds from the passing trucks. There was a heavy police presence, ensuring that masqueraders and spectators alike were safe on the streets. Musically, the day was dominated by, “Display” by Faye Ann Lyons and “It’s Carnival” by Machel Montano and Destra.