MONTEGO BAY, St James — Promoters of the third staging of the Rainforest Seafood Festival say despite the inclement weather which dogged the Ash Wednesday show, some $8.5 million was realised from the event.

“With a third staging of the Rainforest Seafood Festival under our belt, the Rainforest family is immensely gratified with the support we received this past Ash Wednesday. Just under 10,000 patrons attended the event allowing us to make $8.5 million for the We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital initiative,” said a release from the organisers of the festival.

“In just three years, the Rainforest Seafood Festival has become the premier family event in western Jamaica. We are proud that the Rainforest Seafood Festival is simultaneously a food festival, featuring the island’s best seafood, a family fun day with endless activities for children, a concert featuring Jamaica’s leading musicians and a charity event supporting one of the most important institutions in our community.”

The promoters were encouraged that patrons braved the heavy showers to see the strong line-up of artistes Marcia Griffiths, Jah Cure, Stitchie, Agent Sasco, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man.

The festival was hosted by radio personalities Jenny Jenny and Miss Kitty.