FROM December 13-19, the Nelson Mandela Park in Half Way Tree, St Andrew is expected to come alive with the sounds of cultural performances and a general carnival atmosphere.

This, as a number of local entities have come together to stage what is expected to be the first of a quarterly event, Half Way Tree Live.

Speaking at the official launch on Monday evening, conceptualiser Joan Webley of Nanook Enterprises, stated that the event is the culmination of a 10-year dream of hers to reclaim Jamaica’s parks and cultural space, which she notes are greatly under-utilised, and infuse them with the vibrant culture and creativity of the Jamaican people.

Webley noted that Half Way Tree Live is also aimed at re-introducing Jamaica’s culture and creative industries to the masses.

The series of concerts, food demonstrations, story-telling sessions for children, as well as a craft village will run for the entire week, with the popular park transformed into three distinct areas, Pickeny pen, Food Village, and the Cotton Tree Theatre.

Half Way Tree Live will feature performances by the Poetry Society of Jamaica, Manifesto Jamaica, Area Youth Foundation, students from Edna Manley, Root Cause’s ‘Seh Supm’ and members of Jamaica Recording Industry Association.