Food, Rum & Reggae Festival set for November return to St. Elizabeth
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Key Points(5)
- The Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival will return to St.
- Elizabeth from November 6-8, with organisers promising three days of Jamaican food, rum, reggae music and activities highlighting local businesses and community development.
- Plans for the 2026 staging, presented in association with Appleton Estate, were unveiled at a launch in Kingston on Tuesday, October 20.
- The festival will open with Dubwise on Friday, November 6, followed by the main festival day on Saturday, November 7, featuring a Food & Artisan Village and performances by Jamaican reggae artistes Protoje and Lila Iké.
- The weekend will conclude with a new addition, the 7/11 Beach Party, on Sunday, November 8.
The Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival will return to St. Elizabeth from November 6-8, with organisers promising three days of Jamaican food, rum, reggae music and activities highlighting local businesses and community development.
Plans for the 2026 staging, presented in association with Appleton Estate, were unveiled at a launch in Kingston on Tuesday, October 20.
The festival will open with Dubwise on Friday, November 6, followed by the main festival day on Saturday, November 7, featuring a Food & Artisan Village and performances by Jamaican reggae artistes Protoje and Lila Iké. The weekend will conclude with a new addition, the 7/11 Beach Party, on Sunday, November 8.
Festival Co-Director Jason Henzell said the event aims to create economic opportunities for Treasure Beach and surrounding communities while showcasing the area's culture and hospitality.
“Just as important for us is making sure the Festival continues to create real opportunities for our farmers, fisherfolk, small businesses and the wider community,” Henzell said.
The Artisan Village, presented by Rock Hard Cement and curated by Suga Lifestyle in collaboration with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation and Things Jamaican, will showcase locally made products and provide small businesses with opportunities to reach new customers.
Organisers are also partnering with the Tallawah Initiative and Village Farmer Fund to support livelihoods, agricultural resilience and economic opportunities for farmers and communities in St. Elizabeth.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister Floyd Green welcomed the festival's return to Treasure Beach, highlighting the parish's contributions to Jamaican food, music and rum.
“St. Elizabeth is truly the heart of Food, Rum and Reggae, and we’re very happy to see the Festival return home to Treasure Beach,” Green said.
He also praised organisers for supporting the community following Hurricane Melissa through last year's one-night benefit concert.
David Brown, director of cultural and entertainment synergies at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, said the festival could contribute to community recovery by supporting performers, technicians, vendors and other workers in the entertainment industry.
“The Ministry commends co-directors Gregory Wright and Jason Henzell, along with the entire festival team, for their vision, resilience and continued commitment to the people of St. Elizabeth,” Brown said.
The Jamaica Tourist Board has also reaffirmed its support, citing the festival's potential to attract visitors to the South Coast and encourage travellers to explore experiences beyond the island's traditional tourism centres.
Director of Tourism Donovan White said the event creates opportunities for chefs, mixologists, entertainers, farmers and entrepreneurs to benefit from tourism while showcasing Jamaica's cultural heritage.
Appleton Estate joins the festival as its presenting partner. Marketing Director Nadia Kiffin-Green said the collaboration reflects the connection between Jamaican rum, food, music and hospitality.
The festival is expected to draw residents and visitors to Treasure Beach for a weekend celebrating the parish's culture and community spirit.
Festival weekend passes are available in general admission, VIP and VVIP categories. Tickets and additional information are available at foodrumreggaefestival.com.
