A mere 12 hours after the official launch of Smirnoff Dream Weekend at Hope Gardens last Wednesday, the promoters of the July 29 to August 1 party series in Negril reported that all early bird tickets were sold.

“We were expecting a quick turnaround, but this is unparalleled,” a news release from the event’s publicist quoted Gregory Wright, head of sales for the Dream Team, promoters of the annual event. “The Dream Team is quite grateful to its dreamers and feel humbled. The team promises that it will surpass their every expectation.”

Wright was not able to disclose how many early bird tickets went on sale. However, he said that the number was 20 per cent higher than last year.

Smirnoff Brand Manager Marsha Lumley was equally thrilled.

“Smirnoff is happy to be title sponsor of this very premium event. We are elated for the support and promise our consumers, special ‘be there’ moments they will never forget. That’s what the brand is about — creating original party experiences and the best drink mixes for all,” Lumley added.

The event, held over the Emancipation holiday weekend, normally attracts thousands of Jamaicans and foreigners to the resort town of Negril which receives a significant economic boom from the influx of revellers.

“The Dream Weekend is the most amazing party experience for me,” the news release quoted Steve Barnes, described as a regular partygoer. “I think all the parties are the best of the best and the promoters go all out to really please the patrons. I turned up to buy early bird tickets but they were already sold out. I plan to buy three regular tickets and I’m not at all perturbed by the cost, because quite frankly, if I were to purchase a ticket for each individual event it would be more than that.”

Wright disclosed that regular tickets for the event will go on sale on Wednesday this week.