by Adam Canning
My first tour to Barbados was with my dad for the 2019 Test series, as a travelling Barmy Army member, and I couldn’t have predicted that three months later I’d have been working for the business, and just a few years later, having toured the Island another three times!
I am really lucky that working for the Barmy Army has afforded me the opportunity to get to Barbados three times in recent years – for the white ball tour in January ‘22, the Test series a few months later and most recently for the white ball series in December ‘23.
There’s simply so much to love about Barbados that it’s hard to pin it down to just one thing. Firstly, the weather of course! The warmth of the sunshine when you step off the plane guarantees your trip starts on the right foot, and you are then greeted by equally warm locals who are delighted to welcome you to their island. The people of Barbados are so friendly and their hospitality is genuine – if at times a little ‘slow paced’ shall we say!
On the most recent tour, one of the highlights was our now famous ‘Barmy Bingo’ party, which will live long in the memory. Over 350 people enjoyed a truly Barmy night of amazing fun at Halo Lounge, our HQ in ST. Lawrence Gap, and many of our tourists suggested it was even the most memorable part of their trip.
It’s an event and concept we started in 2023 during The Ashes, but there was something really special about doing it at an outdoor venue in the Barbados heat, with holiday makers who really were out to have a good time. It was a special night that will live long in the memory!
As someone who loves his food, I get stuck into the Jerk Chicken, but nothing can beat the fresh fish specialities served up in the small, family-run restaurants all over the island. I live by the mantra that if you can see the sea – order the fish, and it’s never let me down.
Cricket in the Caribbean truly is a bucket list experience, and the carnival atmosphere in Barbados is totally unique. The locals are fiercely proud of their team but enjoy engaging with England fans and the Barmy Army in their united love of the sport. Barbados is an island that really embraces the Barmy Army and whilst we always want England to win, it’s probably the only place in the world where the pain of defeat is softened slightly by seeing the joy it brings to the locals.
I have made some great friends on the island during my visits there and will always look forward to going back. The weather is amazing, the food outstanding, the people so welcoming and the cricket is always so much fun – win, lose or draw. If you get the chance to experience it – take it! Simple as that.
Are you wanting to join us at the T20 World Cup?
We are delighted to announce the Barmy Army Travel Tours for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 are now on sale!
Get ready to jet off on a bucket list tour to the Caribbean to watch England defend their T20 crown. Our dedicated, experienced, and passionate team on the ground will be with you all the way to ensure you have an amazing experience from start to finish.
Be in the crowd for Buttler’s boys’ opening two group-stage matches against rivals Scotland and Australia!
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