Sumfest Essentials

The largest festival in the Caribbean, Reggae Sumfest, is finally here. And as we get down to the final two events, we’ve got you covered with an essential weekend guide. We also spoke with influencer Shacqueal Witter to give you the most chic fashion tips. The fashionista recently treated her followers to top fashion picks for the festival, including festive colours like green, yellow, pink, and white, paired with blue and black denim shorts, camouflage pants and other patterned variations. The style options for Witter – who said she could attend the main event rocking thigh-high boots and a shirt doubling as a dress or a sultry suit accompanied by sneakers – were limitless.

Festival night one fit - The first night of the weekend celebration has a riveting line-up for dancehall music lovers. The champions of dancehall, both veterans and newcomers, will be performing their mega hits, so ladies can take risks and go as bare as you dare. And you can never go wrong with black. Black is always a sultry shade for the occasion, so get fashionable with ripped and racy styles.

Festival night two fit – Night two leans more towards a reggae crowd. It is the perfect time to tap into more festive colours such as red, gold, or green. You can go for sheer, mesh dresses, or other preferred styles that pay tribute to the iconic artistes of our time.

YOUR SUMFEST MUST-HAVES

 Lippie alert: Make-up is a given for the ladies who are looking to glam up their look to match the beats. Ensure that you have your lippie on call to retouch after eating or drinking or just before taking a perfect photograph. Take your beauty up a notch by also walking with your pressed powder to refresh your face.

 Smart Shoes: The show will be running for hours on end, so if you are intent on committing to your overall look, inclusive of heels, there’s always the option of travelling with a pair of smart shoes or slippers or donning comfortable shoes such as stylish sneakers from the get-go.

 Power banks: Phones are a concert attendee’s best friend. While we encourage that you enjoy the show in the moment, rather than spending your time simply capturing it, the show will be running for hours, and so will your phone battery. Anything can happen, so it’s best to be prepared by taking with you a fully charged power bank so that you can charge your phone during the time you are out having fun.

 Insect repellent (bug spray): The outdoor event, scheduled to take place at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre, may be the ideal location for electrifying beats. But just like you need sunscreen in the daytime, repellent is necessary for outdoor event.

 Sweater/jacket: Yes, we are in the heat of summer and it can get extremely hot. But given the nature of the festival, the show may run into the wee hours of the morning. Prepare for that temperature shift by carrying a jacket or sweater with you. This is the perfect time for ‘bae’ to step up and be chivalrous by wearing his jacket and offering it to you when the right time comes.

 Portable chairs: This is a Reggae Sumfest staple. Standing on your feet for long hours can produce cramps, aches, and pain in the feet. So having portable chairs for you and your partner or crew will eliminate such discomforts.

 Swimsuit: This is a packing essential whether you’re wearing it to one of the events, staying overnight, or driving back following the concert. You are on the coast, after all, and it’s summertime. So make the most of your trip by basking in the sunshine and sand and splashing in the sea or pool.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com