FROM AS EARLY as 9 p.m. on Monday a massive crowd was gathering at Hilton Barbados to celebrate the end of 2012 and the coming of the New Year.
Some were having dinner but all were enjoying music and camaraderie as they waited for the big fireworks display at midnight.
Some people were at the Old Fort socializing with relatives and friends and enjoying the music of the Boogie Night Band, with Adrian Clarke, Jeffrey Cordle and others.
Government ministers Stephen Lashley and Chris Sinckler and their families were among those celebrating.
The band played a number of popular songs, including Earth, Wind and Fire’s Reasons, that had the crowd rocking.
On the beach side of the hotel, there were hundreds of Barbadians armed with their baskets and blankets, enjoying the music of yesteryear being played by a DJ and looking forward to the display of fireworks at the stroke of midnight.
The huge crowd mostly comprised young people.
Many took the opportunity to have a photo with relatives, friends and loved ones as a reminder of the celebration.
Getting into Aquatic Gap, which leads to Hilton Barbados, proved tough for several motorists because of the heavy traffic.
Many people made their way on foot, some carrying wine, food and other goodies to “ring out the old and ring in the new”.
At the stroke of midnight, as Auld Lang Syne was played and the fireworks display lit up the sky, there were cries of “Happy New Year!”, kisses, hugs and toasting. (RL)
Hundreds ring out the old
THE?WEST COAST of Barbados took on a golden glow as hundreds of visitors and locals welcomed 2013 with champagne and fireworks along the busy corridors of Holetown, St James, on Monday night.
Holetown, one of the island’s smaller towns, attracts a wide cross section of tourists annually and the surrounding nightclubs become havens for revellers who want to have a good time on Old Year’s Night to welcome in the New Year. It was no different this time.
Patrons mingled freely as they prepared for the big countdown along the U-shaped, one-way First and Second Streets.
Lexy’s Piano Bar was one of the hot spots on Second Street. The cool breezes and clear skies were ideal for frolicking.
Families also secured spots on the nearby beach to watch the spectacular fireworks display.
A boat anchored just a few feet away from the shoreline added to the celebration as dozens of people on board danced to the latest music, which led up to Auld Lang Syne.
The curtain came down on 2012 at the Lime Bar where patrons also had a bird’s eye view of Holetown from the Limegrove Roof Deck. (JS)
