Punch Records is inviting the people of Birmingham to join Levi Roots, the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra, top local music acts, family-friendly comedians, storytellers and artists for a free afternoon of Jamaican-inspired summer fun to celebrate the London 2012 Open Weekend supported by BP.
Jamaica Live! is a party honouring one year to the go to London 2012 and Birmingham’s role as host for the Jamaican 2012 Olympians. Jamaica Live! also celebrates Birmingham’s unique historic links with Jamaica’s people and with Caribbean culture.
Ammo Talwar MBE, director of Punch, says: “Birmingham’s Jamaican guests will be a major asset to the city in 2012 and we’re delighted to celebrate that through this Open Weekend event. Usain Bolt is an inspiring sportsman; like an Ali, a Cantona or a Khan he captures everyone’s imagination. All eyes will be on our city next year. Jamaica Live! is about celebrating that, along with our city’s unique fusion of Jamaican music, fashion, food and style”
Levi Roots Says “I’m so looking forward to Jamaica Live! It’s going to be a fun, creative and safe festival for everyone. By ‘Live’ we mean one nation alive, old school, inspirational, and ready for 2012 where old and young can enjoy themselves, eat food, and where you can just drop-in and talk to the musicians and artists, come and say hello!”
Jamaica Alive! Activities include:
- Free live music on the Big Stage throughout the day, headlined by the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra, Steel Pulse Tribute band, and gospel star Monique.
- Family-friendly comedy from TV’s Annette Fagon, Toju and Tony Hendricks, as well as spoken word artists in our story tent.
- Drumming workshops; Jamaican style. Visitors can bring a drum and join in with our collective drumming groups.
- Freshly-cooked Islands-style food available from local Caribbean chefs and vendors on site.
- Jamaican-style cooking demonstration from Reggae Reggae Sauce icon Levi Roots, live under the Big Screen.
Key Background Points
- Jamaica Live! takes place on the 23rd July 2011 at Victoria Square in Birmingham, from 12noon to 6pm. Entry and all activities and entertainment are free of charge.
- Jamaica Live! will take place across three areas in Victoria Square – a covered main stage, a marquee for storytellers and a food and vending area.
The London 2012 Open Weekend, 22 – 24 July, celebrates one year to go to the London 2012 Games with the best art, dance, film, music, heritage and sport that your community has to offer. With the support of BP, Premiere Partner of Cultural Olympiad and long-standing supporter of arts and culture in the UK, around 1,000 art, cultural and sporting Open Weekend events are taking place around the UK to excite the nation ahead of the summer of 2012 when the best sports and arts will be celebrated in the UK.
Find your local event at www.london2012.com/openweekend.
