Reggae Sumfest relocates to Plantation Cove after Montego Bay flood damage

Reggae Sumfest is heading to St. Ann this year, marking the first time in over 30 years that the festival has been staged outside its long-time Montego Bay home.

Organisers Downsound Entertainment will present the event at Plantation Cove on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The shift follows heavy flooding from Hurricane Melissa that left the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre badly damaged and knocked several hotel rooms in the surrounding area out of service.

With neither the Catherine Hall complex nor local lodging expected to be ready in time, the promoters concluded that the Montego Bay setup could not host the scheduled date and chose the St. Ann waterfront site instead.

Dancehall heavyweights Vybz Kartel, aligned with Gaza, and Mavado, aligned with Gully, are billed as the night’s principal draws. Also on the bill are Jamal, Queen Ifrica, Ayetian, and additional artists yet to be fully listed.

Promoters say the programme will include a tribute to reggae artiste Fantan Mojah, who died earlier this week.