17 Jan 2014
Entering its fifth year, the much heralded Reggae Month is set to attract thousands of music lovers, families and industry professionals to Jamaica next month. Organised by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board, the month-long celebration has grown to include a wide array of events such as concerts, festivals and family oriented cultural presentations that capture the true essence of Jamaican Reggae music. There is an effort to focus on Kingston during the month of February, and all activities for Reggae Month will take place in the city.
This year's event is set to be the biggest yet with artists including dancehall superstar Chronixx, DJ Lieutenant Stitchie, Raging Fyah, Pinchers, Chalice and TOK. International acts include UK-based artist Teejah Prayze, along with reggae legend David Rodigan, who will also be hosting one of several Reggae 'Open Universities', including discussions on topical music industry issues.
Other events include the month-long Reggae Wednesdays, a series of live open-air concerts in the centre of Kingston at Emancipation Park; the Trench Town Rock Concert on 8 February, staged in the birthplace of Reggae music; the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association Honour Awards on 15 February and the epic Sound System Explosion on 22 February. Music industry professionals can also engage and network with fellow trade professionals at the JaRIA trade shows 19 through 21 February.
Reggae Month also features a star-studded tribute to the 'Crown Prince of Reggae', the late Dennis Brown, on 23 February. The concert will be held along Kingston's waterfront area and will be streamed live to millions around the world.
General admissions to all the events are free with the exception of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association Honour Awards Show, for which tickets are approximately £29 (J$5000) per person, and tickets for the Sound System Explosion are approximately £3 (J$500). Music industry professionals who wish to attend the shows should complete the Press Accreditation Form which is available at the website www.jariajamaica.com/accreditation. To watch the live stream and for more information visit www.jariajamaica.com.
Packages to Jamaica during Reggae Month include:
Reggae Month Package - 14 Nights Bed & Breakfast at 3* Knutsford Court Hotel, Kingston from £1,525 per person
Includes flights with British Airways from London Gatwick, transfers and 14 nights on a Bed & Breakfast basis at Knutsford Court Hotel. The hotel is a short walk from Emancipation Park where the main events will take place. Offer available from 10 February - 24 February 2014. To book call 020 7254 0136 or visit www.sntravel.co.uk.
Reggae Month Package - 14 Nights Bed & Breakfast at 4* Courtleigh Hotel, Kingston from £1,935 per person
Includes flights with British Airways from London Gatwick, transfers and 14 nights on a Bed & Breakfast basis at the 4* Courtleigh Hotel, Kingston. The hotel is in very close proximity to Emancipation Park where the main events will take place. Offer available from 10 February - 24 February 2014. To book call Sackville Travel on 020 7274 2242 or visit www.sackvilletravel.com.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodation in Jamaica visit the JTB website at www.visitjamaica.com, or call the JTB on 020 7225 9090.
For more information on Jamaica, go to www.VisitJamaica.com.
-Ends-
For more information or photos please contact:
McCluskey International
Fiona Anderson / Edward Herath
T: 020 8747 2170
About the Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency, based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo.
Jamaica was named “Favourite Worldwide Destination” by the readers of British Travel Awards’ Check-In magazine at the publication’s new Readers’ Choice Awards 2012. Jamaica was also voted the 2010 World’s Leading Beach Destination (Montego Bay) by the World Travel Awards.
