The good vibes will flow freely with Geelong's first-ever Reggae festival, celebrating the Caribbean culture through music and food in an epic one-day event.
Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, Reggae Fest is the brand new event heading to Geelong this weekend, dedicated to celebrating the ‘vybz of the Caribbean’.
Created by Damian Rosevelt, the brains behind beloved Jamaican venue Taste Jamaica, Reggae Fest builds upon what he’s created at his restaurant, bringing the Caribbean to Geelong, with flavours transporting you to the lush topography of mountains, rainforests and reef-lined beaches of Jamaica. Joining forces with a group of like-minded mates (three of who are Caribbean nationals), Rosevelt has curated a huge one-day event offering an immersive escape to the island of Jamaica right in the heart of Geelong.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Taking place this Saturday, October 29 from 12pm until 8:30pm, Jamaican music and food fans will come together to experience one glorious springtime day of reggae music, dance, food trucks, market stalls, visual arts and more with Reggae Fest.
“Reggae Fest came about by a conversation with some talented friends over some Jamaican Food and some Bob Marley Shots,” the festival statement reads.
“All coming from different professions having a huge involvement in Caribbean Culture, we felt Geelong needed more events for people to have an unforgettable experience and simply just escape to the islands for a day.
“Reggae Fest aims to promote and share Caribbean Culture in Australia through events that promote love, peace, hope and happiness.”
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Bringing the Caribbean Culture to Geelong through music, food and good vybz, this is a family-friendly ticketed event that will be held in the heart of Geelong, in Johnstone Park featuring both local and international Reggae artists, hosted by Jermaine Clarke.
On the music front, heading up the festival is Melbourne reggae outfit Crown Heights, a seven-piece outfit comprising members from Jamaica/London, New Zealand, Mauritius, Brazil, Samoa and Sri Lanka, each bringing their own sonic flavour to the mix, including Marvin Priest, independent artist of over 10 years and son of legendary reggae artist Maxi Priest.
Joining Crown Heights, Jamaican artist ProVydah will also take to the stage with his raw and authentic sounds, as well as local Reggae band Ras Jahknow. The Cape Verdean Reggae singer, songwriter and founder of iconic Melbourne reggae ensemble Ras Jahknow Band will be bringing dynamic, high-energy, positive music to the people with a stage show guaranteed to uplift and inspire with powerful messages. Blazing new soul and fresh rhythms into what is described best as culturally rich, roots reggae music, Ras Jahknow sings with passionate vocals in English and Creole, weaving through the diverse native sounds from the African island nation of Cape Verde, Brazil, Tanzania and Mauritius to Australia. The band embodies a vision of unity, respect and peace, built on the foundation of irresistible, reggae rhythms.
Further rounding out the music lineup, the festival will also see the likes of Nicky Bomba and Bustamento Band – a tropical shaking six piece that pays homage to the upbeat rhythms of the Caribbean, covering the Calypso, Mento, Early Reggae and Ska styles; Jamaican artist Flames Eye, and local artists Mpress Kandace, Juiceboxx and Star Drumming.
Alongside the music, the family-friendly festival will feature a variety of food trucks, drinks, market stalls and hours of entertainment including music, dance and games. Other activities include chilli and crackers eating competitions, a beer drinking competition, African drumming and Jamaican dancing, including a free dancehall workshop.
Pack a picnic rug or a deck chair, and head on down to Johnstone Park in Geelong on Saturday, October 29.
Tickets can be purchased here. Kids under 12 are free.
