Persons who wish to attend the annual Grand Gala event at the National Stadium on Independence Day (August 6) can get their free tickets at Juici Beef, Burger King and Tastee locations in Cross Roads, Half-Way-Tree, Downtown, and Portmore.
This was disclosed by Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ held on July 30 at the agency’s headquarters in Kingston. Each person will only be allowed two tickets.
Ms. Hanna said that despite the increased number of outlets, not everyone will be able to attend the live event due to the limited seating capacity at the venue.
“The stadium holds 23,000 people. It’s one of these events that everybody wants to come to, that’s why we are showcasing live on television,” she said.
Grand Gala producer, Gregory Simms, said that much work has gone into improving the television product so that the event is even more enjoyable for the audience at home.
He said that rehearsals are being held every day “to have the television product looking well directed and very attractive. So Jamaicans…will get an unforgettable experience in their own homes as well now,” he said.
The Grand Gala is one of the highlights of the annual Emancipation and Independence celebrations.
The event, to be held under the theme: ‘Celebrating Jamaica: Triumphant, Proud and Free’, will formally close out ‘Jamaica 50’ celebrations, which began last year.
The objectives of the celebrations are to: commemorate the country’s 51st year of independence, and give Jamaicans an opportunity to collect keepsakes from ‘Jamaica 50’; offer presentations in dance, music, theatre and visual arts; and to recognise national heroes, Jamaican icons, and institutions.
This year’s celebrations will offer rich, wholesome family-oriented entertainment, with periods of reflection and discussion.