PLANS ARE well advanced for the fourth staging of the Portland Jerk Festival, scheduled to be held on Sunday, July 20, at the Boston playfield in the parish.
The Portland Parish Development Committee, which has assumed responsibility for the planning of the event, has contracted the Boston Jerk Company to spearhead the planning and preparation for this year's festival. Previously, the Jamaica Tourist Board had responsibility for organising the event since its inception in 2000.
The JTB is, however, providing the major sponsorship this year, with other sponsors being Jamaica Broilers Group, Radio Jamaica Limited, Hot 102 FM, Air Jamaica and the Jamaica National Building Society.
Colin Bell, of the Boston Jerk Company, says that every effort was being made to ensure that the festival achieves success and provide full satisfaction to patrons.
He noted that improvements have been made to ensure easier access to the venue, adding that the number of ticket vendors have been increased to make it easier for persons to obtain tickets, particularly on the day of the festival.
Mr. Bell informed that parking would be available at Folly Oval in Port Antonio, Poincianna Park in Fairy Hill and the Boston and Castle Community Centres. He said that no parking and vending would be allowed in Boston during the festival.
Mentioning that an attractive entertainment segment has been planned, as a major feature of the event, he said the performers would include the Fab Five Band, John Holt, Wayne Marshall and a number of local groups and individuals from Portland.
Mr. Bell said a part of the proceeds from the event would be used to finance the development of the Boston Primary School in Portland.
