REGGAE Sumfest 25 got off to a sizzling start as the Beach Party at Tropical Bliss on Sunday, July 16. Dubbed ‘The Adult Playground’ the theme was well received as patrons danced and vibed to the sounds of Coppershot’s Marc Chin and Cutty, Chris Dymond, Team Shella and Montego Bay’s Dexta Peppa and Jigga.

Patrons were not deterred by the rains as they turned the venue into a dance floor and partied.

Josef Bogdanovich, CEO of DownSound Entertainment and chairman of Summerfest Promotions — organisers of Reggae Sumfest, was pleased with the turnout and expects the momentum to carry over into the other events leading up to the live shows on Friday and Saturday.

“I was excited about the Festival before but after tonight I am even more energised about it. We wanted to bring to patrons a world-class production complemented by quality entertainment and I think we achieved that with the Beach Party. The best sight to me was when the rain came and nobody moved! Everyone stayed and partied and the DJs and hosts were amazing. Tonight is an indication that Reggae Sumfest 25 will be one of the best we have had,” said Bogdanovich.

Reggae Sumfest continued last night with the All-White party at Pier One. The Sumfest Blitz Retro Block Party is scheduled for tonight. The Heavyweight Soundclash will take over the same venue on Thursday night, before Reggae Sumfest 25 culminates with two live shows on the weekend.

First held in 1993, Reggae Sumfest has featured dancehall’s elite such as Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Lady Saw and Capleton.

An array of international acts, including TI, Common, Usher, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, R Kelly, Ne-Yo, Mary J Blige, and Alicia Keys have also performed on it.