SAFETY is a primary focus for organisers of Dream Weekend, scheduled from August 2 to 6 at Seven Mile Beach in Negril.

The party series, which attracts an average of 25,000 patrons annually from home and abroad, turns 10 this year.

Kamal Bankay, director at Dream Entertainment, says patrons, as usual, are in for a safe and secure party experience.

“Safety has always been a high priority for us so we have a good relationship with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). We try to meet with the highest in command and the JCF has been great to support us over the years. We have a responsibility to secure patrons not just at the venues but in Negril, so they are free to walk about on the strip,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

In addition to the police, private security members are also contracted to do the rounds at each party.

Asked whether the current zones of special operations in place in Montego Bay may put a damper on the week-long series, he said: “It would more concern me if we were in Montego Bay, but we’re about an hour and 15 minutes away so I’m not worried about that.”

Security measures checked off, Bankay is excited about this year’s staging which will feature 10 events and unfold over five days. They include Dream Live, Twisted Spiritz, Yush, World Vibes and a new event, Mawnin’ After breakfast party.

There will also be a launch of Dream Weekend Cruise, a party series to “set sail” from March 10 to 15 on the Royal Caribbean cruise line. It will feature events under the Dream Entertainment banner like Bleu, Xodus, and Dream Weekend.

“Dream Weekend cruise will host the biggest parties ever,” said Bankay. “It’s for everybody who loves Dream and our approach to our style of events. It’s going to be a party experience on a cruise ship, where you can let your hair down and enjoy all aspects of it. We’re talking about non-stop partying throughout the day and night with different activities like DJ lessons, dance classes, live performances, sports competitions and karaoke nights.”

The 10th edition of Dream Weekend is made possible by several sponsors including J Wray & Nephew, Campari, Magnum Tonic Wine, Jamaica Tourist Board, Cari-Med Ltd, Jamaica Observer, Appleton Estate and Loop Jamaica.