A three-day festival in Trench Town, Kingston will mark three significant milestones in the nation’s history.
From Feb. 3 to the Feb. 6 birth date of reggae icon Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley the 11th annual community festival in Trench Town will commemorate his 67th anniversary, 50 years of reggae music and the jubilee year of the island’s independent status.
Throughout the years, the annual festival has served to build pride and self esteem in the residents with showcases that present the positive aspects of the community.
According to Sonia Whyte, long-time resident and administrator of the Trench Town Peace & Justice Centre, “the community sees the festival as a means of honoring the work of the great reggae icon Bob Marley and the place that inspired him.”
In addition, she said, the residents want to preserve the Culture Yard (Marley’s former place of residence in Trench Town) and make it into one of the best community-based tourism products in Jamaica. Booths by exhibitors and vendors will provide necessary information related to healthcare, financial services, birth certificate and issues pertinent to enhancing the livelihood of residents of the community.
A symposium is also slated to highlight the best of the area.
On Marley’s special birthday anniversary, “Trod the Trod that Marley Trod” fun run/walk will kick-off the day’s activities from the location now known as Culture Yard.
Friends of the community, athletes, entertainers, political figures, diplomats and tourists are expected to converge at the First Street address for the activity, which will launch an entire sports day incorporating competitive and exhibition events including, football, Brazilian capoeira, a netball rally, Twenty20 cricket, domino tournament and other sporting activities.
Rastafarians from Trench Town and other communities are expected to gather to chant, drum and observe practices in their tradition around a tabernacle.
Recording and creative artists led by Stephen Marley will also participate by honoring Marley’s legacy and Trench Town’s contribution to reggae, the globally recognized music of Jamaica.
Other activities include a church service, a fun day of activities for children, a mini Miss Trench Town competition and a “Pepper Sunday” potpourri of music featuring local sound systems operators and artists.
