R. Kelly & Nicki Minaj to headline Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest

Looking for an alternative to the UK rain soaked, sold out music festivals? Jamaica has the perfect alternative with the largest outdoor music festival, Reggae Sumfest, taking place this summer at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay from 17 – 23 July 2011.

This year headline acts include international mega star R. Kelly and pop sensation Nicki Minaj as well as some of the best artists in Jamaican reggae and dancehall music.

Other acts include ‘The Dean of Lover’s Rock’ Beres Hammond, ‘King of the Dancehall’ Beenie Man, Jah Cure, I-Octane, Tanya Stephens and Half Pint, who are expected to attract in excess of 50,000 spectators. The acts are spread across three nights of non-stop partying and dancing with the Reggae Sumfest rhythms bringing the streets of Montego Bay to life.

While the main venue will be Catherine Hall on July 21st – 23rd, events and acts will also perform across venues in Montego Bay, including an opening night party at the Aquasol Beach Park on July 17th.

The main performance nights are Sunday 17th July (Beach party), Thursday 21st July (Dancehall Night), Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd July (International nights), with tickets costing from £22 - £44 per night (US $32 - $62). Discounts are available on multiple-night tickets. All tickets can be purchased online at ReggaeSumfest.com.

Alongside the music, Reggae Sumfest also provides visitors with the opportunity to sample arts and crafts from across the island as well as delicious Jamaican cuisine such as spicy local favourite goat curry.

Packages available during the festival include:

Seven Nights at Holiday Inn costs from only £1,299 per person

Sackville Travel offers seven nights accommodation at the four star Holiday Inn from £1,299 per person staying on an all-inclusive basis. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick on Virgin Atlantic and transfers. Price is based on two people sharing and travelling 16 – 23 July. To book visit: sackvilletravel.com

Seven Nights at Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios costs from only £1,515 per person

Caribtours offers seven nights accommodation at Jamaica Inn from £1,515 per person staying in a Superior Balcony Suite on a Room Only basis. Price includes return scheduled flights, private transfers and use of a private lounge at Gatwick. Also included is a £130 (US$210) Food and Beverage credit per room, per week. To book, visit: caribtours.co.uk

For more information on Jamaica see: VisitJamaica.com