Protoje, Lila Iké set for 2026 Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival

Grammy-nominated reggae artist Protoje is set to return to his home parish of St. Elizabeth this November to headline the 2026 Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival.

The festival, scheduled for Nov. 6-8, will also feature reggae singer Lila Iké as organizers introduce an expanded three-day format combining live music, Jamaican food, rum, agriculture and South Coast culture.

This year’s staging marks the festival’s return to Treasure Beach following disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa in 2025.

Protoje, who was born in St. Elizabeth, has become one of the leading figures in contemporary Jamaican reggae, building an international following while maintaining strong connections to his home parish.

Festival partner and West Palm Events Marketing Director Jason Ricketts said Protoje’s homecoming has added to the excitement surrounding the event.

“What is amazing about this staging is that we have a native son of the soil who is headlining the show, Protoje. The people of St. Elizabeth are very excited and ecstatic to see him,” Ricketts said.

“We are inviting Jamaicans and visitors alike to come and indulge in our food, indulge in our boutique hotels and villas here in Treasure Beach, and really experience everything this community and the wider South Coast have to offer.”

Festival expands to three days

The 2026 festival will begin Friday, Nov. 6, with Dubwise, an event celebrating reggae, dub and Jamaica’s sound system culture.

The main Food, Rum & Reggae Festival activities will take place Saturday, Nov. 7, with the return of the Artisan Village and Farmers Market and a food court showcasing Jamaican cuisine.

The event will also highlight the farmers, chefs, producers, artisans and entrepreneurs who contribute to St. Elizabeth’s culinary and cultural identity.

Protoje and Lila Iké will take the main stage Saturday evening for the festival’s live entertainment showcase.

The weekend will conclude Sunday, Nov. 8, with the 7/11 Beach Party, featuring music, food and drinks in a South Coast beach setting.

Festival Director Gregory Wright said the expanded staging represents a new chapter for the event following the challenges of last year.

“I’m truly honoured to be hosting the Food, Rum & Reggae Festival again this year. Off the heels of being affected by Hurricane Melissa last year, we’re grateful to be back, bigger and better and taking the festival to new heights,” Wright said.

“We’re looking forward to hosting local and international guests and having an amazing festival this November 6th-8th, 2026. We guarantee an amazing and unforgettable experience is in store.”

Organizers said the three-day format is intended to encourage visitors to spend the weekend in Treasure Beach and explore the community’s hotels, villas, restaurants, beaches and other local businesses.

Festival returns after hurricane disruption

The festival’s return carries additional significance after Hurricane Melissa disrupted the planned 2025 staging.

Instead, organizers held a one-day benefit concert in Kingston in December 2025, bringing together performers, patrons, sponsors, farmers and artisans to support agricultural recovery.

The initiative ultimately allowed the festival to fulfill a commitment of J$1 million to assist St. Elizabeth farmers affected by the hurricane.

Organizers see the festival’s return to Treasure Beach as another step in the recovery of the South Coast community, which is known for both tourism and agriculture.

The 2026 Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival will take place at BREDS Sports Park and Jack Sprat.

Tickets are now on sale at the official festival website, foodrumreggaefestival.com, with additional performers and festival experiences expected to be announced ahead of the November staging.