Wales’ biggest reggae festival celebrates Jamaica 50th anniversary - in Barry this weekend

A festival of Jamaican music, food, lifestyle, and children’s activities is taking place this weekend (August 3- 5) in Barry to mark Wales’ biggest event for the Jamaica 50th anniversary of independence celebrations.

The open air festival features top ska, reggae, and rappers reflecting 50 years of cultural exports from the Caribbean island.

The event, supported by the Jamaican High Commission, is attracting the Caribbean community from all over the UK to see-top line acts including Janet Kaye and rapper Junior Macee.

Visitors can enjoy during three days (August 3-5th) a trip through 50 years of music with Friday featuring early reggae and ska, Saturday during the day showcasing lovers rock and reggae sounds from the ‘70’s and 80’s with dancehall music into the evening, culminating on Sunday with a celebration of reggae and rap to the present day.

For the family there are traditional Jamaican food stall, cakes, beauty products, and even a Caribbean psychic reader, along with award-winning children’s activities.

The role of Rastafarians in Jamaican culture is highlighted in a special Rasta Village area, where story-telling, workshops and demonstrations of religious ceremonies will be held.

Making sure the triumphs of Jamaica’s top athletes are not missed, the festival will be following the Olympic performances of Usain Bolt and his team mates on large screen televisions.

The festival has been widely featured on Jamaican television, including a feature on Barry Island on the equivalent of the country’s breakfast television.

The festival has been organised by Strickly Roots, run by South-Wales businesswoman Hilary Brown, with the backing of the South Wales Jamaica Society and the London-based Jamaican Diaspora.

The festival follows a successful sold-out young people’s Summer Camp of Jamaican culture held in Barry last weekend.

Looking ahead to the festival weekend Hilary Brown said: “This is the biggest celebration in Wales of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary. We are welcoming everyone to join in the celebrations and share our pride of Jamaica’s rich cultural contribution to our world.”

The festival is being held at the Goods Shed site at Barry Waterfront. Tickets are priced £11 in advance or £12 on the day for each of the festival days and are available from Barry Memorial Hall telephone 01446  738622.

Further details about are available from www.jamaica-indepenmdence.com