The beautiful island of Barbados offers a tropical adventure that can be as relaxing or as energetic as you wish. As well as blissful beaches and crystal clear waters, there are plenty of vibrant cultural events and attractions on offer. Make the most of your holiday with this guide to what's on in Barbados in 2016. From carnivals to food festivals, here are some of the highlights…

24 April - 1 May
Barbados Reggae Festival

This week long music festival has received international acclaim. Taking place at various venues across the island, it attracts world class artists and continues to be as popular as ever.

28 April - 1 May
Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf

Taking place at the beautifully sculpted course at Sandy Lane Country Club, this four day event promises to be

6 May - 2 August
Crop Over Festival

Dating back from the 1780’s when it marked the end of the sugar cane cutting season, the Crop Over Festival is a mix of music, masquerade, history and culture. One of the many highlights is a night-time street party on 29 July. Revellers take to the streets covered in vibrant body paint ready to party the night away in this fun and vibrant event. The end of the Crop Over is marked by the Grand Kadooment Festival on 2 August, a stunning visual and aural spectacle that attracts people from all over the world.

3-20 July
Sir Garfield Sobers Cricket Tournament

Most of the competitors travel from the UK, but this tournament still attracts schools from test-playing cricket countries. After the final, a festival game is played between the Caribbean teams and a combined UK XI.

2- 6 November
Open Water Festival

With big prizes up for grabs, this 1.5km Swim the Bay race attracts hundreds of competitors every year. There will also be stand-up paddle relay races, kayak relay races, beach parties, and ‘just for fun’ races and this year is expected to be the biggest yet.

17-20 November
Food, wine and Rum festival

This is a magnet for top international chefs, and guests can pick up plenty of culinary tips. Barbados has been creating some of the world’s finest rum for over 300 years and offers the perfect opportunity to learn how to make the perfect rum punch.

30 November
50th anniversary independence Day parade

After the establishment of the first settlement in 1627, Barbados remained a British colony for more than 300 years. Its independence on 30 November 1966 was marked by the raising of the Barbados national flag and the playing of the national anthem for the first time. It is now a national holiday, and this year’s celebrations will be extra special. Attracting both locals and tourist alike, the Independence day parade will see hundreds of members of service groups, alongside military forces marching in keen precision and displaying their skills in various formations at the Garrison Savannah.  

9-10 December
Classical Pops Festival

Some of the greatest musicians in the world are coming together this year to form a unique orchestra. Joined by pop stars, opera singers and composers, they will be playing an eclectic mix of classical and popular music.

Find out more about the beautiful island of Barbados