Hope Gardens was the place to be last weekend for the 2nd annual event dubbed as the “Jamaica Rum Festival”.
The Jamaica Rum Festival is a one of a kind event that showcases the best of Jamaica in the culturally beloved categories of rum, music, and food!
“Rum Fest” is centered around putting Rum at the forefront of the event to feature brands like Wray & Nephew, Appleton Estate, Moneymusk, Hampden Estate, Sangsters, Rum Bar and JB Overproof Rum. In true “Festival Fashion“, the event also boasted a marketplace dedicated to artwork, jewelry, and fashion which created a space for local artisans to display and sell their products.
The two-day affair, held Saturday and Sunday, February 29 – March 1, 2020, featured an impressive lineup headlined by Protoje and Kymani Marley and more acts including Spragga Benz, Ding Dong & Ravers, Tessellated, Naomi Cowan, Mortimer, Sevana, Lila Ike, Capleton, Freddie McGregor, Cocoa Tea, and Indie Allen
The Jamaica Rum Festival 2020
OUR ARRIVAL + MUSIC
When Haute People arrived at the venue after hour-long traffic to the Hope Gardens main gate, we were directed to parking at UTECH as the venue was at capacity (on both nights). After securing a parking space, we then made our way to the designated area where the shuttle would arrive to take us to the venue. Upon arriving at the venue, tickets were already sold out which was a tell-tale sign that this event would be quite interesting. We quickly made our way inside the venue and darted to the Appleton Booth that boasted the “Joy Spence Experience” which was indeed an experience. The build-out was made to mimic a tasting room at the Appleton Estate located in St. Elizabeth which made for great photos.
We then made our way to the front of the stage where we witnessed Bugle in all his greatness performing and chimed in to the lyrics of his popular “Nuh Compatible”.
THE FOOD VILLAGE
After a few performances, the Food Village was the next stop where we indulged in the offerings of Pink Apron Ja (a must at every event) where the loaded Seafood Nachos were a favorite, Copperwood ft Murray’s Fish & Jerk Hut with their Charcoal Pork, BBQ Jerk Spare Ribs and Jerk Pork and of course the scrumptious PAN Chicken that was freshly seasoned with local herbs and cooked to perfection. We then went to the Bad Dawg station that offered an interesting take on their usual plain Hot Dog to include OG or Jerk Sausage & Loaded Chilli Sausage, this was a favorite based on the taste and price point as the lines were long! Next, was the freshly made Sushi from Sora Sky Cuisine which was so fresh it was as if they caught the seafood that day which was another win!
ALL ABOUT THE RUM!
We then made our way back to the main area where we got the chance to sample signature Rum Cocktails of the night from the bars! On the menu was Unreserved Passion (Appleton Estate), Ginger Wray (Wray & Nephew), JB Rebel (JB Overproof Rum), Pink Passion (Sangsters), Moneymusk Classic Fusion (Moneymusk), Hampden Spice (Hampden Estate) and Rum-Barjito (Rum-Bar). We ensured we were drinking responsibly by eating BEFORE drinking, pacing the samples, and drinking water between drinks. We knew that our limit was samples rather than full drinks so we were not intoxicated and could drive home.
After light hearted-conversation with vendors at the booths and catching up with friends, we made our way towards the venue exit where other patrons seem to have the same idea, and called it a night!
The event boasted over 7,000 patrons who all had one thing on their minds “Rum” and it flowed in limited abundance and they were all satisfied.
Though in it’s second year, the event is poised to become a mainstay in the Jamaica Spring event season and there is even talk of taking it to Montego Bay!
Were you at the Jamaica Rum Festival? Let us know all about your experience in the comments section below.
Thanks to our new additions to the team Kerry-Ann Walker and Jeremy Green for Photo Coverage. All Rights Reserved
Check them out on Instagram at @_artperture
The Jamaica Rum Festival 2020
The Jamaica Rum Festival 2020
The Jamaica Rum Festival 2020
The Jamaica Rum Festival 2020
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