( L - R ) Tarrus Riley, Jimmy Riley - File photos

The father and son combination of Jimmy Riley and Tarrus Riley will headline the inaugural Ocho Rios Seafood Festival which is slated for the Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios, Sunday, August 5.

The event was originally planned for the Heroes Day weekend but was brought forward as a result of the surprise cancellation of this year's staging of 'Reggae Sunsplash', the festival organisers noted.

"The non-staging of 'Reggae Sunsplash' has left a tremendous void on the summer/pre-independence entertainment calendar as it relates to St. Ann, hence the rush to put together an event that will be well received by the people of the garden parish," explained Sean Dixon, marketing manager for Tropical Vibes Promotions, owners of the seafood festival.

"With plans already far advanced, the decision was taken to go with the event on the eve of Independence Day, a day when Ocho Rios is guaranteed to be overflowing with visitors."

He added: "The long-term goal however, considering that this has never been done here before, is for the Ocho Rios Seafood Festival to be a permanentfixture on the social and cultural entertainment/culinary calendar of events."

Many more artistes

Mr. Dixon disclosed that, in addition to the Rileys, his company has secured commitments from Junior Cat, Fantan Mojah, Little Hero, George Nooks and Teflon to perform at the event.

"We have put together what we believe is a very strong family oriented line-up for what should be a blockbuster of an event," Mr. Dixon said. "There's hardly an artiste right now who is hotter than Tarrus Riley and considering we are still in negotiations with Munga Honourable and Beenie Man, we believe we may end up having one of, if not, the biggest show on the Independence weekend."

He continued: "This will be a day and night affair and will have a family-oriented theme throughout. There will be a kiddie's area with swings, rides and bounceabouts, while the rest of the park will be decorated with food stalls and display booths."

"We strongly believe this event, like the Portland Jerk Festival, like the Trelawny Yam Festival or like Denbigh, does have a future and with the proper vision and nurturing, could one day become the largest of its kind in the entire island," he added.

When contacted, Tarrus Riley said that he was looking forward to the opportunity to perform in Ocho Rios, adding that, "I expect all my fans to be out in their numbers in what will be a day and night family affair."

"My father and I will be there and the fans can expect to get more than their money's worth," he added.