Mere weeks away from Tobago’s carnival, some bands on the island are up to 50 per cent sold out.
The carnival, which will run from October 25-27, is expected to welcome thousands to the island.
Last year’s celebration received raving reviews from stakeholders.
The Roxglow Concert in Roxborough kick-started the festivities, followed by the Rhythm, Steel, and Powder event in Scarborough hosted by Pan Trinbago.
The Vibes with Voice concert at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex was a major event that added to the revelry. The carnival was deemed a success by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Tobago Division, and other cultural stakeholders.
However, criticisms arose when National Carnival Commission boss Winston “Gypsy” Peters pointed out missing key elements in the carnival, sparking anger among the THA and Tobagonians, who demanded retractions and apologies.
Speaking to Guardian Media, the president of the Tobago October Carnival Association said across the board, bands are running out of costumes, with some reportedly 90 per cent sold out.
“They are trying their best in terms of their individual marketing to make up for the shortfall of marketing from the THA,” he said. “But bands are ready, pushing to ensure they attract the masqueraders.”
There will be a press conference tomorrow afternoon to announce major plans for the upcoming Tobago October Carnival.
The joint press conference will be hosted at Shaw Park Complex with the TTPS and other stakeholders.
Just last week, the Tobago House of Assembly appointed a new Tobago Festivals Commission CEO. Contacted for comment, the new CEO, Kern Cowan, said he has started work and will release plans soon.