Scenes from the Polish Reggae Festival which took place in Ostroda, a Polish tourist resort in the North Eastern region of Poland between August 18-20. The Festival took place on the ancient grounds of the Prussian Cavalry camp. - Contributed photos

Jamaican music had a rebirth of sorts at the The Polish Reggae Festival which took place in Ostroda, a Polish tourist resort in the North Eastern region of Poland on August 18-20.

Dubbed by many as the largest festival of its type in Europe, the festival which was under the Distinguished Patronage of the Mayor of the city has been on the cultural programme for several years but has not until this year succeeded in involving over 2000 participants, mainly young people.

Artistes

Participating artistes included Polish performers as well as Jamaican bands from London and Germany and even one from far away Zimbabwe. What was amazing was that so many Polish groups played reggae so well, even more so that they were all professional reggae musicians.

The festival took place on the ancient grounds of the Prussian Cavalry camp which created a backdrop one could only dream of for the event. Performances were on three separate stages and a craft bazaar was organised by Polish craftsmen for related craft objects. One of the halls was decorated with portraits of Bob Marley, Jamaican flags and reggae related flags.

Unfortunately, the most notable of invited bands from Jamaica, Culture, did not perform as its leader, Joseph Hill died sometime before the event. This tragedy was duly publicised on the last day of the festival with marks of respect to the deceased. Several records of the band's music were played and performers dedicated their songs to the deceased singer.

The city officials invited the Jamaican Honorary Consul who participated in the event as well as in the press conference during which she responded to questions relating to Jamaica, its culture, natural beauty, tourism and the society as a whole. This was also recorded as an interview by local radio stations, Polish Television as well as Polish Overseas Television. The local press dedicated much attention to the festival including the printing of book marks specially for the occasion.

The whole City of Ostroda was much taken with the event. During the day, speakers strategically located on the boardwalk of the lake on which the city is located played the best of reggae, including the music of the best performers and composers of Jamaican music. Jamaica came and conquered for two whole days the resort city of Poland.

Submitted for the press by Maria Dembowska, Hon. Consul of Jamaica in Warsaw.