Action-packed weekend schedule for Treasure Beach festival
The Treasure Beach Food, Rum and Reggae Festival, taking place from November 7 to 9, officially unveiled its full weekend schedule at its launch event on Tuesday. The event brought the South Coast to Kingston, giving guests a preview of the three-day festival. Attendees explored artisan displays from Snack Rite, Uncle Nehe’s Bush Alternatives, Krush, Puzzles by SG, and Free Up Clothing; sampled rums from Worthy Park and Castleblack; and enjoyed authentic Jamaican dishes from Kamila’s Kitchen, Murray’s, and Jabba’s Peppa Shrimp.
Festival co-director Jason Henzell noted the significance of the occasion, “Treasure Beach has played a part in my family for generations. It’s where our roots run deep. This festival is a celebration of all the things that make this community special: the farmers who feed us, the fishermen who sustain us, the rum-makers who carry on a proud tradition, and the reggae music that connects us to the soul of Jamaica.”
On Friday, November 7, the Festival Village at Jack Sprat opens its doors, transforming into a lively marketplace of local cuisine, artisan creations, and rum tastings that continue late into the night. The evening features reggae newcomer Mesh Marina, followed by reggae and lovers’ rock star Christopher Martin closing the first day.
Festival co-director Gregory Wright shared his excitement being back in his home parish and embracing the community.
“Treasure Beach’s natural beauty, authenticity, and warmth are one of a kind, and this festival brings that to life. The schedule was carefully curated to take guests on a journey from sunrise wellness, to late-night reggae, with unforgettable food, rum, and culture in between. It will be a weekend full of vibes, community, and celebration,” he added.
Saturday kicks off with the festival’s first Reggae & EDM fusion Breakfast Party at Jack Sprat. Later in the afternoon, attention shifts to Treasure Beach for the festival’s signature bar crawl, where attendees can explore local bars and meet community members. The day ends with a performance by reggae icon Capleton.
On Sunday, the Festival Village returns for a final day of food and creativity, leading up to the closing concert at Jakes Hotel, where Agent Sasco will wrap up the weekend. This year, the festival also offers an ‘Experience Add-On’ for an additional fee, including a curated tour to Lovers’ Leap or Pelican Bar, an exclusive dining experience with Chef Oji Jaja, and a Sunrise Wellness Session with breakfast by Kamila McDonald.
At the launch event, the festival received support from government leaders including Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport; Delano Seiveright, state minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce; and Agriculture Minister Floyd Green.
Green emphasised the importance of supporting local producers, noting that the festival aligns with Eat Jamaican Month, which promotes the consumption of locally grown foods.
“After the challenges faced by St Elizabeth and our agricultural sector during Hurricane Beryl, few would have imagined we’d be here today launching food festivals. I’m proud to say Jamaica’s agriculture sector is in a strong position, and St Elizabeth looks forward to welcoming you to the Treasure Beach Food, Rum and Reggae Festival,” Green said.