Mark & Katt Take WRS to Barbados for Crop Over 2026

For one week only, the WRS Breakfast Show is broadcasting live from Barbados, bringing listeners a taste of the island's biggest and most colourful festival season.

Join us every weekday from Wednesday 29 July until Tuesday 4 August between 06:30-10:00 as we explore Barbados, discover the stories behind Crop Over, meet the people who make the island special, and bring you along for the journey.

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Staying at Savannah Beach Club

Our home for the week is the beautiful Savannah Beach Club, located within the historic Garrison area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mark sat down with General Manager Rodcliff Massiah to learn how the property blends centuries of history with modern comforts. From multiple restaurants and a stunning pool to direct beach access, Savannah Beach Club offers an ideal base from which to explore Barbados. It's also located within an important turtle nesting area. Rodcliff spoke about balancing guest experiences with environmental responsibility and why preserving both heritage and local wildlife is so important.

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Understanding Crop Over with Barbados Tourism

Crop Over isn't just a festival. For many Barbadians, it's a season, a celebration and a way of life. Liane Clarke from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. has been looking after us since we arrived and has been an incredible guide to the island. Liane spoke on-air about the festival's history, which dates back to the island's sugar cane industry, along with some of the key terminology visitors will hear throughout the season. She also shared why Crop Over is her favourite time of year and why 2026 is particularly special: her birthday falls on Grand Kadooment Day - Monday 3 August this year - when she'll be "jumping" (participating) with friends in the island's biggest parade.

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Sunrise at Pebbles Beach

When you're in Barbados, set your alarm and head to Pebbles Beach between 5am and 7am. That's when racehorses from the nearby Garrison Savannah make their daily journey into the sea for daily hydrotherapy, creating one of the island's most iconic sights. Over time, the beach has also become a gathering place for retired racehorses and their handlers, giving visitors an opportunity to meet these gentle animals and even enjoy a stroll along the shoreline.

We met Bajan local Tony to talk about the tourism trade at the beach and his horse, appropriately named "Instagram"

We followed this up talking to Nola, who runs PUC for Pop Up Coffee, down on the beach for early mornings 7 days a week, and about horse wefare and her journey from life in the US and UK, to ultimately choosing Barbados as her home. 

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Wildlife Encounters at Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary

We also visited Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, where dedicated conservation staff work to protect some of the island's most important ecosystems and wildlife. Paul and Linda shared some of their favourite facts about Barbados' birdlife and explained why the sanctuary plays such a vital role in protecting native species.

We also met one of the sanctuary's most famous residents: Gary the Goose. Acting as an unofficial ambassador, Gary has a habit of leading visitors around the grounds and making sure everyone feels welcome.

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Join the Adventure

Throughout the week we'll be sharing more stories, interviews, Bajan music and unforgettable experiences from Barbados.

Tune into the WRS Breakfast Show every weekday from 06:30 to 10:00 as Mark and Katt continue their Crop Over adventure.

Have a question about Barbados? Email us at studio@worldradio.ch or send a WhatsApp to 022 575 25 50. 

And if this week's broadcasts have inspired you, perhaps it's time to start planning your own Barbados adventure - whether that's for Crop Over 2027 or even sooner. Explore at visitbarbados.org

 

This week, the WRS Breakfast Show is brought to you by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.