World over, summer is probably everyone’s favourite season. School is out on a long break. The sun blazes at its peak. Clothing is more colourful. Everyone just seems to have more fun. No doubt, it pays to know what’s on the event line-up so you don’t miss a beat. What can you look forward to this year to keep the family entertained? Buzzz Magazine has put together some events you need to attend this summer to have it certified FUN. Enjoy!
Since 2009, Appleton Special Dream Weekend has been a staple in summer entertainment for many local and international patrons. July 28 to August 1, 2016 will transform Negril into what promoter Kamal Bankay describes as “a unique experience of non-stop partying at the most affordable rate.” Bankay chatted with
Buzzz Magazine and promises the party stays the same. There’ll be the usual nine parties within the party: Dream Live, Celebrity Playground, Daydream, Yush, Extreme Wet and Wild, World Vibe, Igloo and Dream J’ouvert. The entertainment package changes every year and this year patrons will be treated to performances from Bounty Killer, Popcaan, Spice, Elephant Man, Mavado, Ding Dong and Kes (from Trinidad band Kees and the Band), to name a few; plus, about 50 DJs will keep the crowd ‘up’ from party to party.
There’s no going around the fact that news from the west, including Negril, have been nothing short of a nightmare these days, but Bankay assures his patrons that there is no need to be concerned. The promotion team has the full support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and appropriate security plans are in place for the entire Negril, to ensure that partygoers enjoy the security they deserve. Include the 24-hour shuttle bus service for patrons and all those nightmare scares are transformed into good ‘dreams’.
So what are you waiting for?! Season tickets to all events are available at Ribbiz in Kingston, Pier 1 in Montego Bay, Reggae Yard in Ocho Rios, Genus Pharmacy in Portmore, Heaven’s Fesco in Mandeville, Negril Service Centre and Kool Runnings Water Park in Negril. Early Bird season tickets are now on sale for $28,000, but cost will increase much closer to the event, so act quickly. Bankay confirmed that limited tickets for individual events are available at redemption offices in Negril over the party weekend. But who wants to run the risk of sold-out tickets? If you don’t want to miss out, go get your tickets NOW. For more information, check out the Dream Weekend website
https://jamaicadreamweekend.com/jm/. All are reminded that you must be 18 years and older to drink; ID is required.
Flash back to 1993, Reggae Sumfest held its first staging in Montego Bay; now 23 years later in 2016, this event is renowned as Jamaica’s premier music festival. This
year, the show will run from July 17 to 23, 2016. Sumfest kicks off on Sunday, July 17 with a beach party at the Aquasol Theme Park, followed by Blitz- All White Edition at Pier 1 on July 19. On Thursday, July 21 there will be a Sound Explosion at Pier 1, which precedes the last two nights at the main venue.
This is where we mention the big change for this year’s staging – International Night is no more! Organisers of the event have decided to slash that feature of the festival, which means no overseas-based artistes will be featured. This is a welcome change for many who are confident this would add a ‘true Jamaican music’ experience to the event.
Friday night, labelled Dancehall Night, will showcase acts like Beenie Man, I-Octane, Dexta Daps, Nesbeth, Vershon, Chi Ching Ching and Tanto Blacks, to name a few. Reggae Night brings down the curtain on the event on Saturday July 23, with the sounds of Supercat, Barrington Levy, Tarrus Riley, Christopher Martin, among many others.
Check the event’s website for ticket information and details on livestreaming of the event:
http://reggaesumfest.com/#home.
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