Organisers of the inaugural staging of Best Weekend Ever in St Ann are hailing the event as a success.

The series of parties, which included I Love Soca, Daybreak, Milk and Honey, Zimi She Beach, Allure, and Late Check Out, took place between Grizzly’s Plantation Cove, Bay Beach, and Puerto Seco Beach between August 5 and 8.

Dwayne Dacres is managing director of Best Weekend Ever. He explained the decision to host the event in St Ann.

“The theme for the weekend was ‘Escape to Paradise’, and St Ann is known internationally for its scenic venues and beautiful beaches. Also, the Edward Seaga Highway has made it easier for people to get to St Ann from Kingston, so patrons have the option to drive to their favourite events. In addition, [because of] the post-COVID-19-influenced shutdown of the entertainment and tourism industries we saw the need to spur economic growth in St Ann [which is already known for tourism] through our authentic entertainment product,” Dacres told the Jamaica Observer.

Dacres summed up this year’s staging of the event.

“It was definitely a success. The support of thousands of patrons at each of the six events along with an estimated economic impact of over $500 million between flights, accommodation, transportation, gastronomy, cultural and entertainment experiences, local employment, and patronage, we are optimistic at the potential growth of the weekend, humbled by the support from both local and international patrons, and grateful that we could be able to execute all events satisfactorily,” he said.

He said there were several memorable moments over the weekend.

“The weekend was filled with memorable moments, but the vibe the patrons exuded when the rain began to fall during Kes’s performance at I Love Soca Cooler Festival [on August 5] and the patrons’ reaction to the fireworks at Milk and Honey while Busy Signal performed Jamaica Jamaica in celebration of Jamaica’s 60th jubilee [on August 6] were euphoric moments of the weekend.”

He added, “The support was overwhelming. Thousands of patrons poured into each event venue [each day a bit later, based on how much they enjoyed the events the day before]. There was also a wide cross section of individuals – soca lovers; fashion enthusiasts; beach lovers; fans of Busy Signal, Kes, and Ding Dong; persons from the Diaspora who wanted to celebrate Independence in Jamaica; as well as persons in Ocho Rios who haven’t had the opportunity to experience some of the events that are usually staged in Kingston.”

Plans for the staging of next year’s event have already commenced.

“We have already announced August 4-7 as the date for next year’s staging of Best Weekend Ever. We are currently evaluating the entire weekend and so later we will announce details of possible changes,” said Dacres.