Organizers of the `world`s greatest reggae showcase,` Reggae Sumfest 2009, are making winners of site fans. The festival has launched the `Royal Reggae Giveaway’ sweepstake, which will give a lucky fan the opportunity to experience the festival as a VIP.
Through July 12th, entrants to the sweepstake at http://reggaesumfest.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=312&Itemid=116 will qualify for the chance to win an all-inclusive weekend at Sandals Resorts in Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 24-25th. The free weekend stay will also include a limo ride from the airport to the hotel as well as two VIP passes for the winner and a guest to experience the thrill of the top reggae festival while listening to the sounds of reggae music on their new IPod.
This year, the festival is set to take over Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 19-25th. But it is the Jagra Dancehall Night, July 23rd, that is sure to crank the heat of this resort haven up higher, as a slew of stars, including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Elephant Man, Busy Signal, Spice, Kip Rich, Flippa Mafia, Macka Diamond, Voice Mail and Digicel`s new dancehall Divas, Lady Saw and D`Angel, take over the stage.
On Friday, July 24th, American R&B stars Ne-Yo, Keri Hilson and Jazmine Sullivan are set to bring some smooth vibes to the festival while Morgan Heritage, Jah Cure, Coco T and Queen Ifrica are sure to thrill the conscious reggae followers.
The curtains come down on Saturday, July 25th with performances from multi-Grammy-winning star, Toni Braxton, Nas, Damian `Jr Gong` Marley, Tarrus Riley, Etana and Da`Ville among others. Showtimes are 8:30 p.m. nightly.
Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, Johnny Gourzong, says air and hotels are going fast but can still be accessed through the site along with tickets, at www.reggaesumfest.com.
The Festival has devoted a section of its website to accommodation and fans can view a list of hotels in Montego Bay, as well as read short reviews and other information on the properties. Organizers say they will continue to add more properties as the deals are finalized.
Some of the hotel options available for patrons include the 5 star Fiesta Grand Palladium, which is a mere 25 minutes from the Sangster International Airport. This hotel boasts some 1,000 rooms, a fitness centre, a `club` for children, seven restaurants, and five swimming pools, and a spa.
Sponsors for the 2009 event include the Jamaica Tourist Board, Digicel, Air Jamaica, Jamrock Magazine, Ocean Spray, Jagra, Appleton, Carib Beer and Mackeson among others.
Reggae Sumfest brings in an estimated 5,000 visitors to the island, along with US$5 million in revenue to Jamaica, according to a survey done by the Jamaica Tourist Board. Reggae Sumfest is produced annually by Summerfest Productions.