SPORTING venues throughout the Caribbean are starting to return to life with fans cheering, jumping, dancing and even singing.

The second Test match between West Indies and England which ended on Sunday saw thousands attending including many English supporters.

It was a near-capacity crowd on the first two days of the Test match when this reporter attended courtesy the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

The crowd comprised many groups from England including the well-travelled Barmy Army in full voice.

Managing director of Barmy Army Chris Millard told Newsday that 7,500 people from the group were in Barbados for the match.

They brought a vibe to the venue with singing, while trumpeter Simon Finch kept the place buzzing. It was an atmosphere I have not experienced at a Test match for years.

[caption id="attachment_946110" align="alignnone" width="1024"] English fans Steve Blower, left, and Jerry Ryan during the second Test match between West Indies and England at Kensington Oval in Barbados, last week. - Jelani Beckles[/caption]

The party stand also had energy. Hearing the English fans sing Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline was memorable and contagious as I attempted to sing along.

Speaking with Newsday at Kensington Oval on the opening day of the Test match, veteran promoter Chetwin Stewart said, “It feels great to be back, it feels great to be working again because for two years I was not working. The Power X Four Beach Party Stand at Kensington Oval is known for this kind of activity, people love it. They come from all over the world.”

Stewart, who is anticipating more cricket at Kensington Oval in the near future, is elated to see people employed again.

[caption id="attachment_946109" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Chetwin Stewart, left, and Christa Stewart of the Power X Four Beach Party Stand at Kensington Oval in Barbados. - Jelani Beckles[/caption]

“It feels good. I am a promoter, a bandleader and also a venue promoter...it is very good to see people coming back out again. Right now we have Crop Over coming up. We know it would not be as big as normal. Normally Crop Over generates $110 million in three months in the Barbados economy so we really missed that for two years.”

Bartenders, deejays, security guards and cleaners were among those employed during the Test match.

Chetwin’s daughter Christa Stewart, an event manager for the party stand, said it was a race against the clock to get ready for the match.

“Normally it will take us months to set up the party stand, but again because we only had a few weeks…I was a little nervous at first, but again with my father’s help and guidance we were able to set up a whole beach.”

[caption id="attachment_946108" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Fans enjoy themselves during the Test match between West Indies and England at Kensington Oval in Barbados. - Jelani Beckles[/caption]

The party stand includes sand, a pool and a stage for entertainers to perform.

Christa also spoke about the importance of the entertainment industry to the Barbados