After forging a partnership with Xodus, which will see both carnival bands coming together to provide a kaleidoscope of fun at Sunday’s Road March, the organisers of Bacchanal Jamaica are in preparation mode for the final lap.

According to Bacchanal Jamaica director Charmaine Franklin, all systems are in place to ensure patrons have a bast on the road.

“Sunday will be a merging of two strong brands on the road providing a kaleidoscope of colours as we dress some of the beautiful ladies who enjoy playing Mas and also our males who wear T shirts. Our lead-up events have, indeed, been good; as the best of the best DJs brought the vibe and introduced the new music,” said Franklin.

Among the lead-up Bacchanal Jamaica events which have done well this year are Rum for Breakfast and a staging of Bacchanal Fridays, which made its return after several years.

Said Franklin, “We always anticipate a good year, and we are indeed looking forward to this year’s presentation. There were many competing events, but we are always grateful for the support.”

As with many entertainment events locally, the pandemic dealt Carnival a severe blow. Bacchanal Jamaica was not spared.

“The COVID pause was indeed very difficult. We anticipate a good turnout and Kingston has the infrastructure to deal with the numbers that we expect, as we have hosted so many big events. All stakeholders will be happy for the business,” said Franklin.

Although there hasn’t been any reported incidents of security breaches at events leading up to this Sunday’s Carnival Road March, promoters are taking no chances.

According to Kamal Bankay of Dream Entertainment, promoters of Xodus Carnival and Bacchanal Jamaica have big plans in place to ensure the safety of revellers.

“Xodus and Bacchanal have combined resources and best practices to deliver the best and safest experience for revellers on the road in 2023. The layers of safety and security will be seen, including members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), rope marshals, extraction teams and wheel safety monitors. There will also be layers of team leaders, supervisors and managers,” Bankay disclosed in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Thursday.

Although he didn’t disclose numbers, Bankay hinted that safety and security was a major part of the expenditure during the road parade.

“Our road management team of over 600 persons [will] keep us safe and organised on the road. This is the largest single HR expense for the road parade day.

Bankay continued, “The emphasis placed on road management, security and safety is paramount and contributes to the overall patron/reveller experience in a very impactful way. Thus, we put our best foot forward every year… and, thankfully, we’ve never had any issues. We are working diligently to maintain this moving forward.”