“Love, peace, hope & happiness”: Reggae Fest to take Geelong by storm

CARIBBEAN culture will be on full display at Geelong’s Johnstone Park in a month’s time when the first Reggae Fest hits town.

The Reggae Fest team consisting of six Geelong residents, three of which are of Caribbean nationality, are ready to promote “peace, love, hope and happiness”.

One of them, local businessman Damian Rosevelt is eagerly awaiting October 29.

“When I first arrived in Australia 15 years ago, I could see an opportunity of bringing the Caribbean culture to Geelong through music and food,” Mr Rosevelt said.

“After working hard I was able to bring the food aspect to Geelong through my bar and grill Taste Jamaica in Geelong West, and started to bring the music aspect through an event on Easter Monday whereby a variety of reggae artists and Jamaican dancers came together.

“I wanted to take this concept to the next level, so I sat down with some good friends Shamar Morrison and Lincoln Alfred.

“Together we discussed the idea of taking this concept to the next level over some jerk chicken and Bob Marley shots. They too loved the idea and Reggae Fest was born.”

Mr Rosevelt said planning the event had taken the better part of eight months, but with everything in place, he had made sure the full scope of the Caribbean was included in the event’s proceedings.

“We want to create an event that showcases Caribbean music and food as well as dance and festival activities that take part in the Caribbean.

“Some of these include activities in the Caribbean culture include chilli eating and crackers eating competitions, as well as Jamaican dancehall crowd participation brought to you by Out N Bad Dance Studios.

“We feel that Reggae Fest can create this cultural atmosphere and give an unforgettable experience to the people of Geelong by simply escaping to the islands for a day.”

There will be several local Reggae acts as well as a musician flying in directly from Jamaica for the event: award-winning reggae artist Da’Ville.

Mr Rosevelt has already confirmed if the first event went well, he would focus on holding Reggae Fest every year.

For more information on the event, head to reggaefestau.com