A massive throng of revellers participated in yesterday’s YardMas Carnival road march, which made its presence felt on the streets of Kingston.

When the road march began its trek in New Kingston heading towards Half-Way-Tree Road and then back to New Kingston, the number of revellers seemed small. However, as the day progressed, the numbers swelled.

Among the revellers were beauty pageant participants, Jamaican-British actor Michael Ward (known for his role as Jamie in Top Boy), sponsors, corporate Jamaica representatives and dancehall artiste Chi Ching Ching.

Trinidadian soca artiste Sekonsta, who performed at one of the lead-up events, Illuminate, was also among those making the trek on Sunday.

“I come here all the time and YardMas is a natural transition for me. What is unique about Carnival in Jamaica is that Jamaicans bring that reggae and dancehall vibe which is authentic. Jamaica is one of the best places in the world,” Sekonsta disclosed in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

This was Latoya Chavaria’s first time participating in a Carnival.

“I like how YardMas has their road march well-planned. People are enjoying themselves and I will definitely come back. The costumes are nice, the goodie bag is awesome, and the music is great,” said Chavaria.

Public relations executive Peter Jon Semoy could hardly contain himself as the soca rhythms blared from the speaker boxes atop the trucks in the road march.

“What I like about YardMas is that they listen to the feedback from the patrons and implement. Right now, it’s a great experience being on the road; the vibe is right and if you’re not jumping with YardMas this year, you gotta jump next year,” said Semoy.

He gave YardMas organisers the thumbs up for customer service.

“They focus on the Carnival-centric experience, and they have the best DJs hands down,” said Semoy.

Human Resource Manager Flona Brooks said the easy access bar was the highlight of her revelry.

“I love the outfits and everything they gave us in the goodie bag, but the music, customer service, and the accessibility to the refreshment bar were what stood out most for me,” she shared.

Oshane Thoms, brand manager for Popeye’s, one of the event’s sponsors, said partnering with YardMas was an easy decision.

“A part of Popeyes core is that we are about arts and entertainment. We saw Carnival as a fitting brand to position the Popeyes brand with. The association has been tremendous, and it can only grow from here,” said Thoms.

Mark Telfer, brand manager for major sponsor Campari, dubbed the King of Carnival, said his company’s investment was money well spent.

“This is a multi-year partnership and, yes, its sponsorship money well spent. What we’re seeing are people enjoying themselves and enjoying the brand responsibly. It was an easy decision to come on board when we were approached,” said Telfer.

During the road march patrons gyrated and danced up a storm to current and past soca hits. As the music pelted the atmosphere, curious onlookers gathered on the sidewalk to soak up the day’s proceedings.

Marie, who resides on Hope Road, was seen with friends taking in the action from the revellers. They were among scores of persons who took up positions along the sidewalk to enjoy the excitement.

“I’ve never been to Carnival before, so I am just taking in the vibes. From what I am seeing, maybe next year I will be chipping down the road,” she said with a smile.

As the afternoon sun stamped its approval, some patrons quenched their thirst by making purchases from vendors along the route.

Paul said he travelled all the way from Spanish Town to sell water to revellers. He is grateful for the opportunity to make some extra income.

“The support was good, the water a sell and mi just glad Carnival come back because a nuff people can put on dem pot. Di ting look good mi G,” he said.

Dancehall artistes Laa Lee and Ding Dong were seen atop the Campari truck and their presence created ripples with revellers.

The YardMas route included Hope Road, Lady Musgrave Road, and New Kingston.