THE normally quiet resort town of Negril played host to Chug It held at Wavz Beach, last Sunday. Despite the islandwide torrential rains, more than 20,000 patrons were on hand.

The figure tops the 17,000 that came out for the 2012 staging.

Bertel Moore, mayor of Westmoreland, lauded the party series for its economic boost to the parish.

“Chug It had an excellent turnout here in Negril and it is clear that the event is very well supported. I am hoping that the organisers will stage it here yearly, outside of Independence, as it brings in good business for the community. A lot of the smaller hotels received additional revenue and the economic spin-off for our local vendors and taxi services was tremendous. I understand that a lot of our locals were also employed in various capacities during the staging of the event. Business was certainly booming in Negril this past Sunday, and once the youth within the parish can have fun responsibly and without instances of violence and injury, I consider that a success,” told the Jamaica Observer.

Twenty-eight buses shuttled party-goers from Kingston, St Catherine, and Manchester to the Negril jaunt.

Meanwhile, Chug It saw high-energy and well-received sets from dancehall act Aidonia and fast-rising female singjay Ishawna.

Ishawna, who took the stage at 10:00 pm, hit home with Need Love, Vroom Vroom, Cheerful Giver, and Restraining Order. The latter earned her an encore.

Aidonia’s set included his well-known tracks such as 90s Gangster, Lala Land, and Kush. The JOP boss’s newly released single Nuh Boring Gyal found favour with female fans.

Patrons were also kept energised with musical selections by Chromatic, Hyperactive and DJ Absolute, who played a variety of dancehall, soca, reggae and hip hop.

Revellers enjoyed Chug It’s “all you can drink for a grand ($1,000)” feature.

Organiser Andrew ‘French’ Wright was pleased with Chug It’s Negril staging.

“The event certainly lived up to our expectations in that the crowd support exceeded the 17,000 recorded for the 2012 staging in Negril. This is a true demonstration of Chug It’s islandwide dominance. Chug It is the only town-based event that continues to receive such high levels of support in Negril when staged outside events held during the independence period,” he said.