MONTEGO BAY, St James — — The organisers of the world-renowned Reggae Sumfest have declared that everything is still a go with the show which they declare will be its biggest staging yet.

This declaration comes on the heels of the passage of Hurricane Beryl that caused devastation in parish along the southern coast, where it caused loss of life, downed trees and power lines, as well as damaged houses.

According to Downsound Entertainment, the event’s organisers, despite those issues they want the patrons of this year’s event to know they can expect an excellent showcase as they have already moved passed the challenges of the weather system.

While not predicting a number, Robert Russell, Downsound’s deputy chairman, was bold with his declaration.

“This year’s Sumfest will be the biggest and the best ever, because we are pulling out all the stops to make sure we give thanks for being spared from the wrath of Hurricane Beryl,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“The hotels are reporting solid bookings for the period and the airlines have confirmed the same that tickets are still online selling briskly,” he added.

Russell further disclosed that the venue suffered very little damage, which has been quickly rectified, and the Catherine Hall location is ready to welcome its usual thousands of patrons.

“In discussions with our CEO, Joe Bogdanovich, and the rest of the team, I, Robert Russell, deputy chairman is pleased to announce that Reggae Sumfest 2024 is on,” he said.

“Mr Bogdanovich said it’s a miracle that we were able to weather the hurricane and to be able to produce Reggae Sumfest 2024,” he said providing further insight into their feelings about the situation.

He also mentioned that, in light of the challenges brought on by the hurricane, Reggae Sumfest would be looking at ways to help individuals affected by the storm.

“We are attempting to help as many people that have suffered damage as possible as the Sumfest team,” he said.

Reggae Sumfest, a 7-day, 8-event festival is slated to get going on July 14 with its Family Fun Day at Catherine Hall.

This will be followed up with the Street Dance, All-White, Global Sound Clash, and Rumfest Blitz.

Then there is the main event, two stage shows on Friday July 19 and 20 with local and international acts.

“Our line-up remains the same, no cancellations, and we are on the road to producing the world’s greatest reggae festival,” Russell stated.

Souls crooner Babyface will headline the event which will also see the likes of Beres Hammond, Anthony B, Aidonia, Nigy Boy, Capleton, Jada Kingdom, Teejay, Marcy Chin, among others.

Reggae Sumfest has been one of the premier music festivals festival in the Caribbean since its inception in 1993. Downsound Entertainment acquired the brand in 2016.

Russell sought to underscore the importance of the event to the local community, insisting that it continues to grow from strength to strength bringing some $2 billion of income to Montego Bay and its environs every year.

“This event creates employment for many Jamaicans who depend on Sumfest to send their children back to school in September and the rest of the year,” he stated.

Sumfest directors Robert Russell (left) and Joe Bogdanovich at the launch of the 2023 Reggae Sumfest.