MONTEGO BAY, St James —Music lovers across the globe, particularly those in the city of Montego Bay, are eagerly awaiting the playing of the first musical note in the 2019 staging of the ‘Greatest Reggae Festival on Earth’, Reggae Sumfest.

The 26-year-old festival staged under the theme ‘Our Music, Our Festival’, is set to unfold at several venues across the city of Montego Bay including the main venue, Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre, from Sunday, July 14 to Saturday, July 20.

Over the past 25 annual stagings of Reggae Sumfest, thousands of citizens have not just enjoyed the pulsating reggae beats, but have witnessed performances from some of the world’s best entertainers. The festival has also brought much-needed revenue to all sectors of the economy, ranging from the “Reggae Bed” vendors to the highest rated all-inclusive hotels.

As music lovers get ready for Reggae Sumfest 26, entrepreneurs are also putting the moving parts together to take a share of millions of dollars which will change hands as local and international tourists flock the second city of Montego Bay to enjoy the vibes and energy of the event, share good company as they chug down their favourite brew to complement great culinary delights.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis, is among those who continue to celebrate the economic power which Reggae Sumfest brings to his city.

“Undoubtedly, Reggae Sumfest brings great wealth to the people of this great city. It is truly a very happy time for everyone who are directly or indirectly involved in the festival as the trickle-down effect is wide and deep. It is estimated that some US$15 million is being injected into the economy of Montego Bay during the staging of Reggae Sumfest 2019, and with this, players in all sectors of the parish and country will benefit,” said Mayor Davis.

He added that the tourism sector also receives tremendous benefits from Reggae Sumfest as an estimated 8,000 overseas visitors come to Montego Bay, primarily to attend the show.

“Based on tradition figures from the [Jamaica]Tourist Board, it is estimated that visitors will spend about US$1,500 per person, which equates to a significant amount of money being injected into the economy of Montego Bay and Jamaica,” he argued.

Meanwhile, Western regional director of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Odette Dyer, says Reggae Sumfest has not only become a staple in the entertainment industry, but continues to position Jamaica as the best destination for live entertainment.

“It is virtually impossible to find a better event than Reggae Sumfest or a better venue for live entertainment than Montego Bay. This partnership is just a part of that magic which Jamaica offers to the world as a tourist destination, and Montego Bay as the fastest developing entertainment venue with all the amenities which includes thousands of hotel rooms, great beaches, the best food in the world and the globe’s most awesome people,” said Dyer.

She said the now 26 -year-old festival is not only assisting to develop the music industry, but also the career of artistes as well as some of the most creative entrepreneurs, selling everything from “reggae beds” to “reggae chairs”, great food, souvenirs and other keepsakes.

The JTB, she said, is a proud sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, as the agency continues to align itself with winning products and events.

“The JTB is very supportive of Reggae Sumfest, not just because of its ability to attract a substantial audience, but its ability to market destination Jamaica as the world’s most diverse tourism hotspot,” Dyer stated.

Meanwhile, manager of the Harbour Street Craft Market Mikoyan Robinson said craft traders at the location are literally chumping at the bit to get involved in Reggae Sumfest 2019.

He said a number of traders benefited immensely from the decision last year to include them in the Street Dance session at the Old Hospital Park along Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, while traders were able to do brisk business when visitors visit the market.

“Craft traders here are very innovative and we have seen where they have ‘carved their way’ into the hearts and minds of visitors as a result of their production. We have great craftsmen and women and I am sure that the influx of visitors to the island as a result of Reggae Sumfest will bring good business to the sector,” said Morris.

Reggae Sumfest 2019 will feature Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Chronixx , Beenie Man and Bounty Killa.

Other acts down to thrill the thousands expected for the festival include Tarrus Riley, Chris Martin, Romaine Virgo, X-Factor winner Dalton Harris, Agent Sasco, Spice and Spragga Benz.