This is the final in an eight-part series on summer reggae festivals around the world.
IT was sweet 16 for the Lakesplash Reggae Festival which took place July 5-6 in Bern, Switzerland.According to Sandro Di Mineo, spokesperson for the event, it was marked by strong performances and solid turnout.“For the first time, the festival was sold out on Friday and Saturday, that means about 1,300 people visited Lakesplash each day,” he told the Jamaica Observer.Among its Jamaican acts this year were deejay Popcaan and singer Romain Virgo. Di Mineo says Popcaan was a hit with his party tunes and described Virgo as “a great voice”.Other acts on the show included British disc jockey/sound system selector David Rodigan as well as home-grown reggae performers Stereo Luchs, Etobasi, and Schwellheim.Di Mineo spoke of the festival’s transformation from an intimate gathering to a viable event that benefits the village of Twann where it is held.“The Lakesplash Festival has a growing line-up and visitors every year. As a non-profit association, our only goal is to secure the next festival,” he said. “Last year was our 15th jubilee and for that we had the honour to engage Stephen Marley on our stage.”Etana, Cocoa Tea, Chezidek, Cali P, Alpha Blondy and Tarrus Riley have also performed at Lakesplash which Di Mineo says brings brisk business to the lush hillside area.“All the materials, such as the food and drinks, are from local shops, farmers, wine-growers, etc. We do everything by our own. Even the salad dressings,” Di Mineo informed.He and his colleagues plan to continue using the grass roots formula that has worked for them for almost 20 years.“We are just going to organise the next festival with good vibes, like we did in the last 16 editions. With blood, sweat and tears.”Romain Virgo performs at the Lakesplash Reggae Festival in Switzerland recently. (Photo: Contributed)View the original article here
Sweet 16 for Swiss reggae fest
