Promoters of Ocho Rios Carnival promise lots of excitement and great vibes for revellers attending the 2018 season which was launched last Saturday at Sandcastles Hotel in St Ann.

“It’s going to be massive this year. Last year we had the Road March for the first time and it was well received,” said Marvin Lawrence, a director of promoters Tri-Star Entertainment.

This year, promoters have a bevy of sponsors including Smirnoff, Berger Paints, Lucozade and Red Bull.

“Ocho Rios Carnival is the premiere event in Ocho Rios and for us, it’s about spreading our wings outside of Kingston, and bringing the carnival to the people of St Ann. We’re trying to bring the fun and excitement to the masses, and that’s Smirnoff’s trademark,” Jason Hendrick, brand manager for Spirits at Red Stripe, explained.

“We are the sponsor for the lead-up Saturday parties as well as the J’Ouvert. You can come out and have fun with us, and create good memories, but also drink responsibly,” he added.

The Road March is scheduled for Easter Monday (April 2). Prior to that, there will be a series of events including J’Ouvert, Soca Size Wednesdays (starting in February at Turtle River Park in Ocho Rios), and the Saturday night parties (which starts in March) at the Sandcastles Hotel parking lot.

There are five costumed bands: Tainos, Maroons, Arawaks, Soca Junkies and Red Ants.

Ocho Rios Carnival is a spin-off of the All-Island Carnival which started in 2011. It has attracted the biggest names in soca and dancehall over the years, including Alison Hinds, Lil Rick, Skinny Fabulous, Patrice Roberts, Beenie Man, Machel Montano and Aidonia.