Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Summerfest Productions' Robert Russell (left) speaks with Red Stripe's managing director Mark McKenzie at the launch of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2006, held at Liguanea Club, New Kingston. Red Stripe will remain drink sponsors of the event though they have withdrawn title sponsorship. - File

Unlike most events in Jamaica, this year's Reggae Sumfest should be allowed to go beyond the slated 2 a.m. lock-off point.

Robert Russell, chairman of Summerfest Productions, promises that the event, which will take place from July 13-19, will be a good one. He also disclosed that the festival has been afforded the privilege of going beyond 2 a.m. because it has been designated a national festival. This status, he says, might be the same for other events like Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and Jamaica Carnival.

"We have been designated a national festival. That consideration is because of the number of foreign visitors we attract. That is about 5,000 visitors and US$5 million in revenue. So we have been afforded the privilege of going later than 2 a.m. We will close the festival at the normal times," he said.

Star-studded show

Beenie Man is one of the top acts scheduled to perform at Sumfest this year. The event will go beyond the 2 a.m. lock-off time attached to events because it has been designated a national event. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

These many visitors will be privy to a star-studded show as it will feature many top local and overseas artistes. Russell says several artistes have been signed or scheduled for signing this week. Some of the big names include Beenie Man, Richie Spice, Anthony B, Vybz Kartel, Wayne Marshall, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Demarco and Mavado. He says the production team is in negotiations with several other local and international acts.

"We hope to offer the usual top-class entertainment package with all the best entertainers locally and some special overseas acts," Russell says.

"We will still ensure the same level of state-of-the-art lighting, sound and stage production that have characterised Sumfest."

Same high quality

Tarrus Riley will also perform at Sumfest 2008. - Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer

Although Red Stripe has pulled out as title sponsors, Russell promises that the festival will be of the same high quality, which earned Summerfest Productions and Reggae Sumfest 'Promoter of the Year' and 'Concert of the Year' at the 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards on May 4.

Nonetheless, Red Stripe will still be the liquor sponsors for the event. He says there are two major companies vying for title sponsorship, but the discussions have not been concluded.

Those discussions might not be completed in time for this year, as the event will take place in two months, but commitments have been made for years to come.

In addition, Digicel, Ocean Spray and Air Jamaica, the Jamaica Tourist Board and VP Records have once again signed on as major sponsors of the event. Supreme Ventures has signed on as a silver sponsor, Red Bull a gold sponsor and Jamrock magazine is a platinum sponsor.