Bacchanal time again!
Published:Friday | January 22, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer
Left: Jhnnell Eastman shows off the Digicel-sponsored Bacchanal Jamaica 2010 costume as Digicel's Tracy-Ann Thelwell gets a photo opportunity. Right:
Danielle Johnson and Robin Baker show off the Appleton-sponsored Diamonds of Kilimanjaro costume in all its glory. - photos by winston sill/freelance photographer
It is that time of year again when the countdown begins in anticipation of the kaleidoscope of colours merging on the streets of the city. Enthusiastic revellers will be jumping down the road to the pulsating soca rhythms. You guessed it - it is Bacchanal time again!
At Wednesday's launch at the Knutsford Court Hotel to mark the start of the season, which culminates on April 11, guests and soca lovers got a taste of what this year will offer under the theme - Bacchanal Treasures.
To create the carnival vibe, there was a selection of soca music which heightened during a socacise demonstration as part of the evening's agenda.
Tourist attraction
Sponsors were given a chance to speak about their support of the event over the years. Jason Hall, deputy director of tourism with emphasis on attractions, says the Jamaica Tourist Board stands firmly behind Bacchanal Jamaica because of the number of tourists that the event brings to the island.
Between the formalities, breaks were taken to satisfy curiosity, and unveil the 2010 costumes. With nine sections and two all-female groups this year, it is all about the shimmer and stones.
Taking the current economic climate into consideration, ticket prices have remained the same as they were last year to encourage people to go out and enjoy the 10-week 'feel good festival'.
Some of the region's hottest entertainers have been secured by Bacchanal Jamaica. These include Machel Montano, Alison Hinds and Destra. According to Bacchanal Jamaica organiser, Michael Ammar, other acts will be secured after Trinidad carnival.
Smirnoff has partnered with Bacchanal Jamaica as the exclusive vodka, and title sponsor of Beach J'Ouvert, while Heineken has signed on as the official beer for the series of events.
The brands will host revellers in a two-tiered bar and club at the Mas Camp for the duration of carnival in keeping with the theme, adding their unique flavour to the annual carnival event. There will be specially formulated cocktails with Smirnoff Vodka and all three Smirnoff flavours throughout Bacchanal Jamaica carnival. With a new sponsor on-board, drink and mug madness deals and a host of fetes and activities, the quest to discover the precious gems and exotic treasures will begin at Bacchanal Treasures at the Mas Camp.
Frederique Asberg (second left), Heineken's country manager, and Kerri-Ann McKenzie (second right), Heineken's brand manager, are sandwiched by models Alexis Nunes and Anthony Grant who are wearing costumes sponsored by the company.
The trio (from left) Kadia Prince, Ravn Rae and Kymone Boothe are out to hear what's in store for them.
Appleton Brand Manager, David Walton (second right), seems quite content to stand in the midst of the Wong family, (from left) Jordan, Amanda and Brett. They were snapped at the launch of Bacchanal Jamaica 2010.
From left: Michael McMorris, Marsha Lumley, brand manager for Smirnoff, Michael Ammar, director of Bacchanal Jamaica, and Heineken's Keri-Ann McKenzie make a happy picture.