HUNDREDS of people have descended on a Southampton venue as Jerk Jam returns to celebrate 60 years of Jamaican independence.
Around 500 people are expected today at the Quarter Lounge in Commercial Road as it hosts the popular event for the first time.
Normally held at Titchfield’s Houndhill Farm, the celebration of Jamaican culture has been unable to take place for years because of the pandemic.
But returning today with the event “One People”, it has brought West Indian music and food to Southampton already attracting hundreds to come and sit in the sun.
Jerk Jam falls this year on the 60th anniversary of Jamaican independence from the British Empire which was granted on August 6, 1962.
The day is now the National Day of Jamaica which is seeing people descend on the Quarter Lounge from as far as London and Bristol.
Kirsty Varley has only recently taken ownership of the venue with her husband Dan.
She decided to host the event because of her connection to Romany Muirhead, the co-director of Jerk Jam.
Kirsty explained: “Romany’s dad and my dad came over together in the Windrush. We only got this venue eight weeks ago
“If we didn’t have this venue, it would have never happened. Because of covid they haven’t done the festival, so we thought we’d bring it into the city.
“It’s a big celebration of food, family and music. It is about bringing everybody together. The festival has been going since 2016.
“We cater for everybody, everybody is welcome. The Quarter Lounge hope to bring more events like this to Southampton.”
Running from midday today (August 6), the celebrations can be heard all around the area.
Decorated all over with Jamaican flags, the venue is even donning a purpose-built Empire Windrush model above the door, the boat which many Jamaicans emigrated to the UK on.
The boat was built by Southampton firm, Cre8ive Constructo.
Romany Muirhead told the Echo: “We have run this even for many years. There is no one to replicate what we do.
“Next year we’re going to bring a big festival back in Fareham.”
Music for the event was provided by Maka Foundation, with Terry Rodgers on vocals.
He added: “Every year now it is getting bigger. I feel excited. The people want more. They want more of these events.
“Jerk Jam is the best thing that has happened in Southampton. It is for everybody. There is nothing else like this.”
Darron Shallow also provided music on the Steel Pan's at the front of the venue.
The event is free and is set to go on until midnight tonight.
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