Bacchanal J'Ouvert hits the beach today

Following the success of the Mas Camp Friday night series, Bacchanal will host its annual beach fête today.

Beach J'Ouvert, which is held in association with major sponsor Smirnoff, will take place at the renowned James Bond Beach in Oracabessa, St Mary.

The fete, which hosts thousands each year, is well known for its use of colourful paint to morph unsuspecting patrons into unrecognisable revellers.

While the all-day, drink-inclusive event will have an abundance of alcohol options, organisers of the event are reminding patrons of the importance of drinking and fêting cautiously.

"While each year our objective is to offer an exceptional party experience to our supporters, it is equally, if not more important to us that they do so responsibly," said Bacchanal director, Charmaine Franklin.

Detox bar

Smirnoff is also a major advocate of the moderate consumption of its popular vodka brand.

In fact, as part of its mandate, Smirnoff will assemble a soup and detox bar today.

Patrons, who, each year, look forward to their straw hat and colourful keepsakes, will also delight in the bonus amenities.

According to Jermaine Bibbons, Smirnoff brand manager, Beach J'Ouvert goers can also anticipate an obstacle course, complete with a massive water slide, a dunking zone, and the added option of syrup.

Amid the paint fun, James Bond Beach will come alive with performances by the dynamic Trinidadian couple, Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons.

Garlin, who led the 2013 season with Ready fi di Road hit has repeated last year's success with the tracks Tabanca, Truck on Di Road, and Red Light District.

Fellow soca star and wife, Lyons, a three-time Trinidad Carnival Road March Champion, is also expected to thrill audiences.

Both will perform with the Asylum Vikings Band. Beach J'Ouvert will also host a slew of selectors at the turntables, including deejays Nuphoric, Bambino, Richie RAS, Smoke, Lee, and Sparkles Productions.

Gates open at 1 p.m. Tickets for Beach J'Ouvert can be purchased at MegaMart outlets, Petcom Dunrobin (formerly LG Service Station), General Foods Supermarket, Pita Grill, as well as Ammar's King Street, Sovereign Centre, and Village/Mall locations.

Smirnoff Bacchanal Beach J'Ouvert is also sponsored by Digicel, KFC, Pepsi, TVJ, Fame 95FM, Ammar's, RJR 94FM, RE TV, The Jamaica Observer, Pure Country, Sparkles Productions, and Happy Ice.

Patrons must be 18 years or older to attend. Weapons are not permitted at the event.

Soca fans can keep abreast of all the Bacchanal fun by visiting www.bacchanaljamaica.com or through the event's Facebook page at BacchanalJamaica as well as Instagram and Twitter @Bacchanalja.