Sumfest 2026

 Thanks to the destructive hurricane Melissa which wrecked everything in its path in Jamaica in 2025, Sumfest this year had to be moved from Montego Bay to Plantation near Ocho Rios.

This is the same venue where Rebel Salute used to be held annually, but I understand it is not being held any more and other events there are discouraged. 

I actually like this venue better but everyone who uses the main road or lives nearby, object to events being held there because traffic congestion makes life frustrating and even dangerous for them. 

 So the authorities don't normally give permission for things to be held there. But I guess they agreed to allow Sumfest this year because of the situation. 

Maybe they should have postponed the entire thing though, for this is the worst Sumfest I ever attended.

Why? 

Because for the entirety, they had no live bands but only recorded music!

 And for the first three hours or so, they used no artists but just screaming DJ's. 

I must admit though, the female Magnum dancers were extremely talented.👍

Queen Ifrica

When the live artists started to perform, the only one who was really impressive was Queen Ifrica and when the big stars, Vibes Kartel and Movado came on, only Movado had been worth  the wait, in my book.😡

 It was extremely well attended though so maybe the young people liked that crap, but I didn't.

We went, we listened but we were really not well entertained this year.

Ps. A friend brought to my attention the following statement which was posted to the organizer's webpage.

"Updates on the Return to Traditional Live BandsDownsound Entertainment has explicitly stated that this condensed format is a one-time, one-night emergency staging.Why it changed: The shift away from the traditional multi-night, live-band festival was entirely due to severe infrastructure and venue damage at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay caused by Hurricane Melissa [05.1].The Future: Festival organizers have reassured fans that Montego Bay remains the permanent home of Reggae Sumfest. They plan to return to Catherine Hall for the July 2027 festival, restoring the traditional multi-night lineup that features full backing bands, comprehensive reggae nights, and traditional dancehall nights."

Pity I never saw the info re the change in program format before we bought tickets!😡