Story
The Project
Jamaica to Wales! Award-winning Youth Arts and Advocacy Charity Urban Circle Newport in partnership with the Rastafari Indigenous Village from Montego Bay brings you Reggae & Riddim Festival 2024. As a partnership, It aims to build a long-lasting international project that creates Europe’s most authentic Reggae culture festival.
With the backing of the Welsh and Jamaican cultural ministers. This festival connects two mighty countries with rich histories in a sustainable and forward-thinking project for cultural and economic development. Previous festivals have booked Maxi Priest, Richie Spice as well as local artists such as Aleighcia Scott and many more.
The festival places a strong emphasis on reciprocity and celebrating diversity. It is a platform for young people to expose their talents and provide opportunities for growth and development. Immersive workshops and cultural sessions in reggae music, dance, drumming, healing and cuisine will be offered. Musicians from around the country and globe will perform near multi-disciplinary visual artists and performance artists to collaborate on three different stages in the beautiful National Trust site.
The Mission
The Mission
Descendants of Jamaica based in Wales want to protect Reggae music and build authentic reciprocity with the motherland.
United Nations (UNESCO) have put the Reggae music of Jamaica on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and requires urgent Safeguarding.
Cultural heritage includes traditions or living expressions inherited and passed on to future generations. The festival will showcase original and authentic art, music, fashion, food and products from Jamaica. The festival will be designed and built with descendants of Jamaica and enable accurate representation as good experiences for all to be witness to.
To create unique and memorable experiences, authentic outreach programs, workshops, and social projects fill a year-long programme towards the festival which empowers and inspires collaborations with local organisations, schools, and community groups, forging lasting connections and meaningful social impact.
A space to connect to the rhythm of our planet
Had the pleasure of being able to perform, the crowd were amazing. Wales definitely represented! And well done to all the other artists and especially the team running things! Brilliant festival!
Raz Lee
We need more of these reggae events, bless Wales’ sweet reggae music to the world. Amazing 
Weekend bringing lots of people back together. It was a celebration!
Craig & Debbie
First time at Newport and got to say it smashed the bigger event, Well done to all the team, and the Rasta teaching, and their drums learnt loads.
Mark C
