AllStars Festival Returns for Second Year Featuring World-Class Opera, Comedy, and Music in Barbados North, March 5-15

The highly anticipated AllStars Festival returns for its second year, bringing worldclass opera, comedy and music to the north of Barbados from March 5 to March 15.

This exciting two-week festival, founded by internationally acclaimed opera singer and comedian Melinda Hughes, aims to revitalise the region by fostering collaboration between local Barbadian talent and award-winning international performers.

A Festival rooted in cultural enrichment The AllStars Festival was conceptualised by Melinda Hughes after she first visited Barbados in 2014 to perform at the Holders Festival.

Inspired by the island’s rich culture and vibrant music scene, she spent four years curating the Cobblers Live series at Cobblers Cove and later founded the non-profit Speightstown AllStars.

This initiative supports local Barbadian musicians through workshops, masterclasses, and international training opportunities.

Two emerging Barbadian opera talents who performed in the first festival, Shantal Martin and Nathan Richards, have already benefited from these programs, with further training and performances scheduled for August in London and France.

Festival Highlights: A dynamic lineup of renowned performers from Barbados and beyond will take centre stage, offering an unforgettable blend of opera, Broadway, contemporary music and comedy.

Comedy Nights: March 5, 6, 7 & March 12, 13, 14 – UK-based comedy sensation Lenny Beige brings his unique blend of humour and music to Holetown, with a lively mix of the great ‘Neil Diamond’ hits, quick-witted banter and hilarious improv.

Opera and Broadway Gala: March 8 – An evening featuring opera classics and Broadway favourites performed by Todd Wilander (USA), Shantal Martin, Nathan Richards, Fernando Watts (Barbados) and Melinda Hughes (UK), accompanied by Enrique Ali (Trinidad).

Music Night: March 9 – An exclusive up-close performance by 2MileHill & Friends, one of Barbados’ best-known bands and definite crowd favourite, delivering an electric mix of pop, reggae, R&B, soul and funk.

Festival Finale: Comedy March 15 – A grand closing event featuring UK comedy power couple Rachel Parris and Marcus Brigstocke, promising an evening of satirical musical comedy and irreverent standup.

With a mission to promote local talent, Festival Director Melinda Hughes, excited about this year’s festival said: “A first festival is always a bit nail-biting, but it was well received and the support from Barbadians was phenomenal. Our spectacular line up this year is set to wow the audience with various genres of music.