Whatever you're wondering about Reggae Sumfest, you can find the answer here. Lots of people have the same questions. That's why we've compiled this list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), in the hope that we can provide you with answers.
- What is the Reggae Sumfest?
- When and where is it held?
- Is Reggae music the only genre heard at the festival
- When is the performance schedule released?
- When do tickets go on sale?
- How can I purchase tickets?
- How much do tickets cost?
- How do I get to the Sumfest grounds
- What can I bring to Sumfest?
- What are the do’s and don’ts for the Festival
- Should I make a hotel reservation in advance?
- Is the Festival accessible to people with disabilities?
- Any tips on what to wear to Sumfest?
- Are there ATMs available if I run low on cash?
- What will be available in the food areas?
- Who do I contact about working/ volunteering at the festival?
- How can I apply to perform at Reggae Sumfest?
- How can I apply for a booth?
- How can I apply for press credentials?
- How can my company become a Sponsor?
What is Reggae Sumfest?
Reggae Sumfest is a musical event to which we welcome 30,000+ patrons each year. The festival showcases the best of Dancehall and Reggae music, as well as top R & B/Hip Hop performers. The festival also offers delicious Jamaican cuisine as well as arts and crafts from all over the island.
When and Where is it held
The main events of the festival is held at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica over a three-day period which usually falls in the third week of July, from Sunday to Saturday. The upcoming festival will take place July 13 – 19, 2008.
Is Reggae Music the only genre heard at the festival?
The festival mainly features Reggae music as its name suggests, keeping to its original objective of promoting Reggae music. Over the years the genre has evolved to include Dancehall music which has become very well known worldwide. The festival features one full night of Dancehall music only and two nights with mainly traditional Reggae music and a touch of R & B or Hip Hop. This mixture we find is highly accepted by the audience, especially as for some time, many of R & B and Hip Hop have been doing collaborations with Reggae/Dancehall artistes, thus creating a fusion of the genres.
When is the performance schedule released
The short list of musicians performing at the Festival is normally announced between March and April. A more complete schedule is available closer to the Festival, usually around the middle of May. This website will be one of the first places to view the entire schedule.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets normally go on sale by the second week in June.
How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets will be available online this year and this website will announce when this feature is ready. Tickets will also be available through various tour operators who will sell inclusive packages for the festival
In Jamaica, tickets can be purchased from various ticket outlets which will be posted on this site. Box office hours will vary so check each location for information. Cash accepted in all locations. Some locations will accept all major credit cards.
Stay tuned to this website to see updates as the ticket outlets are added
How much do tickets cost?
|
Date |
Ticket Type |
|
|
VIP |
General |
|
|
Sunday, July 13, 2008 |
|
US$15.00 |
|
Thursday, July 17, 2008 |
|
US$ 30.00 |
|
Friday, July 18, 2008 |
|
US$ 45.00 |
|
Saturday, July 19, 2008 |
|
US$ 50.00 |
|
VIP Season Pass (All 4 events) * |
US$170.00 |
|
|
Red Green 7 Gold Pass ( Thur/Fri/Sat) |
|
US115.00 |
|
VIP Red Green & Gold Pass (Thur/Fri/Sat * |
US$160 |
|
|
Weekend Pass ( Fri/Sat) |
|
US$90.00 |
|
VIP Weekend Pass (/Fri/Sat) * |
US$120.00 |
|
*VIP Passes include limited backstage access, front of stage access and on-site parking
How do I get to the Sumfest grounds?
The festival is held at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Entrance to the festival is from Howard Cook Boulevard. Some parking is available on site for designated ticket holders while additional parking is available in off-venue parking lots located in close proximity to the venue. If coming from Kingston or Ocho Rios, shuttle service will be provided to and from the festival by Knutsford Express.
What can I bring to Sumfest?
Chairs are not provided at the festival and so patrons may bring low portable chairs, blankets and mats. Chairs which are too high that may block the view of other patrons may be refused. Coolers containing food and drink are not allowed on the festival grounds.
What are the Do’s and Don’ts of the Festival?
Do arrive early to the festival as our shows start on-time. If you come late you may miss your favourite artiste.
Don’t bring drugs and or weapons to the festival venues. If you do you will be asked to leave these outside the gate before being admitted entry.
Should I make hotel reservations in advance?
The Festival is very popular, there is a high demand for hotel rooms, and rooms tend to be booked out early. We advise making reservations by latest January of each year. Some hotels will take reservations as early as a year in advance, and many frequent festival-goers book their rooms for the next year when they are leaving the festival each year. Remember, though, that it is never too late to make a hotel reservation as rooms do sometimes become available as persons cancel closer to the event. If you try once and don’t succeed just keep checking. For a list of participating hotels visit our hotel and travel page.
Is the Festival accessible to people with disabilities?
More information to come
Any tips on what to wear to the festival?
- The weather during the time of the festival is very pleasant, the days are nice and sunny with a cool breeze coming in from the sea. The evenings can also be quite warm and gets cooler as it gets closer to morning.
- Dress in comfortable unrestrictive clothing as you may end up sitting on the grass or standing.
- Comfortable shoes are a must as you may be standing a while or walking around the grounds to the many food vendors or artisans, or to see the fabulously designed and decorated VIP booths of our sponsors. Plus you’ll have lots of friends to visit all over the grounds.
- Pack some rain gear as while its normally sunny, there is some chance of rain
Are there ATMs available if I run low on cash?
More information to come.
What will be available in the food areas?
The food court will offer a wide range of items, from spicy Jamaican favourites to delicious delicacies to satisfy any sweet tooth. There will be something for everyone, even the vegetarian and the health conscious.
Who do I contact about working / volunteering at the festival?
Send your resume and a short description of what you think you can offer to the festival to:
Human Resources
Shops 9 & 10 Parkway Plaza
Rose Hall, Montego Bay
Jamaica
Fax: 953-8295
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
I have a band, how can I apply to perform at the Festival
Reggae Sumfest is presented by Summerfest Productions and accepts press kit submissions for persons wishing to perform at the festival between November and January each year. Applications for the 2008 festival are now closed, however you may apply for the 2009 Festival between November 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009. All applicants may submit their press kits to:
Performer Applications
Shops 9 & 10 Parkway Plaza
Rose Hall, Montego Bay
Jamaica
Fax: 953-8295
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Be sure to include a recording, bio, photo, press clippings and contact information including e-mail address. We will contact all persons that have been accepted to perform at the festival once decisions have been made.
How can I apply for a food and/or craft booth
Contact:
Food & Craft Vendors
Shops 9 & 10 Parkway Plaza
Rose Hall, Montego Bay
Jamaica
Fax: 953-8295
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
How can I apply for press credentials?
If you are a registered journalist or photographer, please visit our Media Accreditation Page for our application process and then complete the Press Accreditation application form.
How can my company become a sponsor?
The festival offers many options to companies wishing to associate themselves with a high-quality event. If you are interested in discussing sponsorship opportunities for Reggae Sumfest you can contact us at 876-702-0786, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , visit our sponsorship page on this website, or write to us at:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Reggae Sumfest
C/O Touchstone Productions
P.O. 697, Kingston 6
Jamaica W.I.