Smoke from grills, music and long lines for food filled the Wildey Gymnasium over the weekend as hundreds of patrons turned out for the three-day Truck Up Food Carnival which began on Saturday, May 23.
Over 45 vendors participated in this year’s event, which featured food trucks, pop-up culinary businesses, live entertainment, games and family-friendly activities.
Charlin Skeete, representative of the Truck Up team, shared that this is the fifth edition of the event and the first time being hosted at the Wildey Gymnasium.
Charlin Skeete, representative of the Truck Up team. (LG)
“It is 3 exciting days here at the Wildey Gymnasium, bringing together food, music, creativity, and entrepreneurship in a truly unique Barbadian experience,” Skeete said.
She said the event was created to support food truck operators, mobile kitchens and small culinary businesses by giving them greater visibility and direct access to large crowds.
“Truck Up has grown into Barbados’ ultimate food, culture, and entertainment experience, attracting thousands of patrons and featuring dozens of vendors and performers.”
Skeete referred to the event as a platform for opportunity, creativity and economic activity.
Skeete added that the festival has continued to grow over the years, attracting larger crowds, stronger community support and greater participation from young entrepreneurs.
She noted that beyond food and entertainment, the event also generates work for people across several sectors, including production, security, transportation, hospitality and technical services.
“For many vendors, this festival serves as a springboard for growth and sustainability. Events like these help strengthen Barbados’ entrepreneurial ecosystem and encourage innovation within the food and hospitality sectors,” she said.
The Truck Up representative noted that the event itself also creates several job opportunities “across multiple industries, including event production”.
She pointed to opportunities in “production, security, entertainment, hospitality, transportation, marketing and communications, technical services, sanitation, and logistics.”
“The economic circulation is especially important at a time when supporting local enterprise and keeping dollars within the Barbadian economy remain critical priorities.”
Skeete also pointed to the cultural significance of the event, which highlights Bajan cuisine and creativity.
“From traditional Bajan favourites to modern fusion cuisine, Truck Up celebrates the diversity and evolution of Barbadian food culture. The festival creates a space where local chefs and food entrepreneurs can proudly showcase authentic Bajan flavours alongside innovative culinary experiences.”
She added that the festival has become an important part of Barbados’ growing calendar of cultural and entertainment events, attracting both locals and visitors alike.
“What makes Truck Up especially unique is that it remains the only festival of its kind in Barbados, combining mobile food culture with premium entertainment and a strong community atmosphere.”
Patrons in attendance also enjoyed live performances, DJs, road tennis, Foodie competitions, games and family-friendly activities.
