Long wait at South Quay to see the bands

SPECTATORS waiting on the Parade of the Bands at South Quay, PoS were greeted by a tiresome lag between bands, as for more than four hours yesterday afternoon, no masqueraders could be seen at the judging points. Between 1pm — 4 pm the parade stopped flowing with only a few steelbands and small traditional bands to entertain the eager crowd. Up to 12 noon, only three big bands crossed the stage at South Quay. The first large band to take the stage was Tribe with their portrayal of “Tribal Fantasy.” The breakaway band from Poison took the stage at 8.50 am, with 18 sections of pure colour and fun.

Next was Brian Mac Farlane’s “The Washing,” a large band with similar characteristics of Peter Minshall’s costuming. The band dressed in stark white wowed the crowds with their small but impressive presentation, complete with huge white archways which revellers danced under. “The Washing” was one of the only bands fully dressed from head to toe in costume. Another breakaway band, Genesis, from the former large band Legends, was led on by Ian and Nina Mc Kenzie with their portrayal of “The Beginning.” However, most of the revellers seemed to have chosen Mike Antoine’s Legacy, as only a handful of masqueraders jumped with Genesis.

Island Events with their portrayal of “Moulin Rouge” took the stage with their full list of celebrities, including actors Anthony Anderson and Ben Affleck. Skandal us was the last band to take the stage at around noon with their portrayal of “Wicked.” Dressed in mischievous costumes, they showed the crowds what it took to be wicked. Still to pass the judging points were Poison, Trini Revellers, Legacy and Harts. Leading the race for Road March 2005 were Shurwayne Winchester with Dead or Alive,” KMC’s “First Experience” and Destra’s “Fly.”