Harbour Lights Dinner Show

We had seen Harbour Lights dinner show advertised in a few of the magazines around the island, but were not sure if it was worth a visit. As we were approaching the end of our stay it was a now or never time, so we thought why not? They have a website and it is quite easy to use though a bit vague. The cost is also in US dollars rather than BBD. It is $106 per adult, including the show, food, unlimited selected drinks and return shuttle bus from hotels on the south or west coast. At the time of writing the show takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The night arrived and we were collected from a local hotel, and taken with plenty of time to spare to the venue. Our taxi driver was fun, joking about how we wouldn’t remember his name after the show and telling us where to find him for our return.

Once at the venue we received our wristband and had to choose our protein for the meal. With steak, chicken, fish, shrimp, and veggie burger on the menu, there were quite a few options even for a non-meat eater like me. I chose the fish and we were given a ticket (which we had to keep safe) for later.

On entry to the venue you get a welcome drink. We had rum punches and fruit punches in our group and looked at the stalls of souvenirs, before being met by a staff member to be pointed to our table. We took a seat on one of the picnic-style benches right near the stage and dance floor and then had no idea what to do. I watched other people being taken to their tables and there seemed to be a bit of a spiel that was being given that we had not been offered as we weren't escorted to our table, so I went to talk to one of the staff. He explained that selected drinks were included and we could get them at any time from the bar, we would be told when it was time for food (it was around 8:30 pm for us so eat accordingly for the day, I was starving). There were beers, a few cocktails and wine available along with some soft drinks so there should be something for everyone.

The venue filled up quickly and then there was an announcement before the show started. The first part of the show took us through some history of Barbados with dancing and music relating to the native people and then the British military. We finished this half with a band singing some songs I knew well, and others that were less familiar, but everyone was clapping and singing along.

The food was served from two areas and the lights on our table indicated which area to go to and at which time, which meant there weren't huge lines at any time and people could relax rather than feeling they had to line up.

The food on offer as well as your pre-chosen protein.

Bean salad

Green salad

Rice

Mac pie

Potatoes

Mixed Vegetables

Garlic bread

There were even desserts on offer which seems to be a rare thing in Barbados.

Chocolate brownie

Vanilla ice cream

A chocolate fountain

Marshmallows

An open fire for toasting - a novelty for a Brit

After all the great food we had the second half of the show. This explored more of the African routes of many of the people who live in Barbados with more dancing and then we had to move to the side of the table further away from the stage (for safety). There was an amazing fire dance, people on stilts, audience interaction, more dancing and then everyone was given balloons and invited onto the dance floor for the finale.

The night was over and everyone made their way towards the exit where our taxi returned us to the hotel.

So was it worth it? It was a good night but is around £85 per person. I find anything advertised in US dollars seems to be less value for money. It feels like they are hoping you might not notice the change in the currency, as the amount is smaller than what you have gotten used to seeing in BBD and think it is a good deal. Maybe if I had drunk more I could have made it better value for money, but I'm not a big drinker, so I had maybe two drinks and some soft drinks. But there is nothing else like this on the island, so if you want an evening show with some food, music and dancing this is it, and I think you will have a great time. It just seems a little expensive to me (like many things in Barbados).

Here is a little taste of what to expect