This August, one of Jamaica’s most-anticipated summer festivals will unfold against a new backdrop.

After years of staging its signature parties along the island’s western coastline, Dream Wknd will now take place in Montego Bay, St James, positioning the resort city to once again become a focal point of Jamaica’s summer entertainment calendar.

The relocation comes at a pivotal moment for the city. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which left parts of the island grappling with disruption, the arrival of a major festival is expected to inject much-needed economic activity into the tourism hub.

But, according to festival promoter Scott Dunn, the decision to move the event pre-dates the storm.

“We actually announced that Dream Wknd is moving to Montego Bay before the storm,” Dunn explained. “Hurricane Melissa has only given us more conviction that a festival like Dream Wknd and the resulting economic impact is important for the city of Montego Bay.”

Over the years, Dream Wknd has grown far beyond a party series, attracting thousands of patrons from across Jamaica and the Diaspora for several days of themed events, performances, and cultural celebration.

For Dunn, the festival’s impact reaches far beyond the venues themselves.

“It’s important that we stick with MoBay, because Dream is a lot more than just a series of parties,” he said. “It’s a driver that affects people in many parts of the economy.”

Hotels, transportation providers, vendors, food establishments, and night-life operators all benefit from the influx of visitors that the event brings each summer.

With Reggae Sumfest recently announcing plans to move its staging to St Ann, Dunn says he believes Dream Wknd can help fill the void.

“I was surprised, but I understand the move. I expect them to do well in St Ann and I wish them the best. Sumfest’s move will be a loss to Montego Bay, but we are confident that Dream Wknd can fill that gap,” he said, adding that Montego Bay has long proven itself capable of hosting major international-scale events.

“MoBay has a history of hosting large festivals — Reggae Sunsplash, Jazz & Blues, and Sumfest,” he said. “Montego Bay is well equipped to be the host city for Dream Wknd.”

While the relocation introduces a new setting for long-time patrons, Dunn says preparations are already well underway and the customary Dream vibe is still to be expected.

“We don’t foresee any unusual difficulties. Our venues are ready to go,” he said. “We will be announcing new events, new partners, and more artistes in the coming weeks. Dream Wknd is always special. We will have five days of food, drinks, and world-class entertainment in the tourism capital of Montego Bay.”