Chrissy’s Advice – How To Survive Brewster’s Road Crew’s 24

Reasons For Not Sleep for 24 Hours

There are many reasons why an individual may sacrifice sleep to stay up for a full twenty-four hours.  I think my first experience may have been the flu or chicken pox and the inability to sleep. Then there were childhood sleepovers where we all wanted to stay up for the entire night telling stories and enjoying one’s company. There are the reasons of procrastination where studying and school exams became more important than a night or two’s rest. More enjoyable, however, is festival time where sleep becomes a means to pass the time until the next lime or fete. The best fetes are the ones that you never want to end and hope that every other person feting feels the same way.

Lasting Through Any Brewster's Road Crew Fete – The Strategy

Being introduced to Brewsters Road fetes has taught me several lessons. Perhaps one of the most important, is to pace one’s self. I learned at my first one (and perhaps one or three after), I was not nearly as prepared as I thought I was. When it was announced that there would be a first-ever 24-hour soca fete, I knew whatever mistakes I made, could not be repeated for this event. There would be plenty of time to enjoy myself and BRC was offering me several things that I simply could not miss. 

Not Ah Bajan! But Ready For The Ultimate BRC Fete – 24

Living outside of Barbados, it is seldom that I have the opportunity to hear good soca until the sun rises.  In fact, it is quite infrequent that soca is guaranteed for more than a few hours, much less an entire day. 2009’s 24 was such a fantastic event for me, I smile at the mere mention of it. I frequently look through the pictures I took at the fete and in almost every shot, there is the unmistakeable look of happiness among those around me. I am not a morning person, but even at 6-7:00 a.m., I was feeling happy and full of energy. I will admit that in the early afternoon when the sun was blazing down on me, I was hoping for a little rain. It was not, however, a feeling of misery.  No…DJ’s were running the soca and music is my answer to most problems (plus there was a cooling station). The day hours were a bit of a blur, but I know they were hours of fun, surprise, and enjoyment. 

Veterans In 24 Too!

Something that has made me feel a greater respect for BRC is the inclusion of veteran artistes who have paved the way for today’s most popular performers. I often listen to music from years passed and wish I had started my travels to Barbados at a younger age.  Last year I was so thrilled to see Grynner perform “We Want More” or Gabby and  “Jack.” Mr. Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wilshire and his numerous songs or John King and “Wuk Ya Waistline” were performances I feared I would never have an opportunity to see.  While I know they continue to perform, I prefer the outdoor and fete atmosphere. How often can you see all in the same party along with people who really appreciate soca? I am sorry for anyone who missed their performances. I feel like I was lucky to see them while others danced with equal, if not greater, admiration. 

The Home Stretch

By late afternoon into the early evening, I wasn’t sure I could last until the end. I thought about a marathon runner and how they get their second wind at some point. Perhaps it was the returning crowd that left to get some rest that made me feel rejuvenated.  Sure, their clothes looked fresh while mine were still soaked from the nice man who cooled me off with buckets of water. I drank a Monster and a bit of rum (I was sure it cured sore feet) and that second wind came! Performances by KMC and the live crowd made me forget how tired I probably was. A friend brought me a dry t-shirt to wear and I was sure that I could go on another 12 hours. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Thankfully, 24 is right around the corner with plenty to look forward to.

Side Effects

Feting for an entire day is quite tiresome and I will advise of some of the side-effects. 

• Staying awake and partying to soca can take a toll on one’s appearance. On the bright side, there are others who are willing to go the distance and the way you look is the least of their concerns. 
• Wukking up and staying on one’s feet for extended periods of time does hurt. Comfortable shoes are highly suggested. I took a picture of a woman’s heeled-shoe last year. I would like to ask for those who lose shoes in the fetes…Do you walk with an extra pair? If not, at what point do you realise you are missing a shoe? While the pain might seem a nuisance, the music playing along with excellent companionship goes a long way. 
• You may want different friends. Bring friends that are fun to be around and keep a smile on your face. Even if your friends turn out to be boring fete-goers, a smile goes a long way and you would be surprised what new friends you pick up. I can think of a few people who I met in Brewsters Road events and they have turned out to be excellent friends. Plus, they are usually ready to go the BRC-distance.
• Going to 24 may make you disappointed in future fetes. I know the feeling of disappointment when the police come in and turn OFF the lights for a party to end. I am lucky if I get four hours of fete, so 24 has spoiled me.

Conclusion

24 is only once a year. After experiencing it, you may never want to miss it for your friend’s wedding, birthday, baby shower, or your anniversary.  Thankfully, you can let your friends know that their event can be re-scheduled or celebrated at the world’s only 24-hour soca party. It is not a fete that aims to be exclusive to anyone except those who love to party and who love soca. Music should bring people together and I am touched that Brewsters Road has done this with their various themes and especially with 24. Whether you are young or not-quite-so-young, there is music for everyone. The price is more than reasonable, even if you haven’t learned to pace yourself. Oh what a feeling it is to be able to fete for 24-hours. I think the only question I can ask now…Why did it take so long for it to happen?