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TASTY: Bajan cuisine will be the order of the day at Taste of Barbados

BARBADOS WILL be the centre of attention during the first weekend in May. Barbadian culture and cuisine will be the order of the day at Taste Of Barbados, a culturally authentic experience taking place on South Molton Street, London from Friday 5 – Sunday 7 May.

This three-day extravaganza, brought to you by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, will celebrate Bajan culture, cuisine, music, art and of course, rum – all of which centres on embracing life and happiness. Barbados is enveloped in a raucous festival fever throughout the year with two popular festival highlights; Crop Over Festival in July & August and the world famous Food and Rum Festival in November.

Taste of Barbados will provide a Caribbean flavour and provide a teaser of what the stunning island has to offer. In addition, visitors will have the chance to win holidays to Barbados (including flights and accommodation) with daily competitions.

“Our island is a treasure trove of wonderful and very diverse events and activities which cater to all ages. Taste of Barbados is a special event designed to not only showcase our local culture and gastronomy but also to give potential UK visitors an insight into some of our exciting upcoming events on the island," said Cheryl Carter, UK Director of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

"South Molton Street and the surrounding streets in Mayfair are iconic shopping destinations featuring an international mix of stores and restaurants. We are delighted to partner with leading brands to create this event and look forward to an exciting weekend."

A selection of Barbados’ world-class chefs will be descending upon South Molton Street to cook up a storm of wonderful Bajan flavours and tantalising dishes. This will include cookery demonstrations from top Barbadian chefs, such as Michelin-trained Jason Howard and Anthony Cumberbatch. Additionally, there will be the Iron Chef Culinary Cook off on Sunday at 1pm when these two chefs go head to head preparing their own creative masterpieces right before your eyes.

Attendees cane experience the ultimate rum masterclass with Miguel Smith, an Ambassador for Mount Gay Rum, the oldest rum brand in the world. This golden rum offers a taste sensation like no other. Miguel will be providing insider knowledge on Barbados, the birthplace of rum, while also providing samples of some of the world’s oldest distilled alcoholic beverage.

You can also get hands on with interactive mixology classes hosted by Global Rum Ambassador, Ian Burrell. Ian will be lending his expert knowledge of rum, teaching guests about the different styles of rum and mapping the flavour of each as they sip their way between the islands. They will also have the opportunity to create their own bespoke blend with a selection of Caribbean rums.

TOP CHEF: Anthony Cumberbatch

Londoners will be treated to a medley of Bajan talent incorporating calypso, spouge, contemporary folk, jazz and reggae as some of Barbados’ hottest acts including Arturo Tappin & Band, Cool Breeze DJ, a Barbadian Folk Choir, and several vocalists ranging from acclaimed Calypsonians Red Plastic Bag, Biggie Irie and Nikkita and Jazz, Gospel and R&B vocalists Tamara Marshall, and Marissa Lindsay take to the main stage to create Caribbean infused vibes. This eclectic mix of Barbadian music styles will provide visitors with a taste of Barbados’ exhilarating Crop Over Festival, which celebrates the end of the sugarcane harvest in July and August on the island.

There will be something for everyone at Taste of Barbados including health and wellness fanatics with a yoga demonstration on Saturday afternoon when experts will be on hand, teaching different types of yoga and the benefits of each. If art is more up your street, talented photographer Raymond Maughan will be showcasing his photographic work of all things Barbados.

There will be plenty activities for children including, drawing and dance classes Virgin Atlantic Airways will take guests on an immersive virtual experience with VR Headsets that journey through the check-in process and on-board facilities on a Virgin Atlantic flight. British Airways will have their very own simulator operated by BA pilots, offering guests the chance to fly a jet aircraft. All ‘student pilots’ will be presented with a certificate showing their flight path and overall score.

Carter added: “With additional flight routes, Barbados is now more accessible than ever and our stunning coastlines and rich history makes our island the perfect choice for a relaxed getaway.”

Those who make it to Taste of Barbados can also find out about all the exciting events that are happening on the island at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. marquee. With 2017 being the Year of Sport, there will also be lots of information about the new and existing sporting activities on the island plus hotel partners will be on hand to provide details on their resorts and offerings.

For tickets to Taste of Barbados and more information on the event, click here.

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