Bob Marley - file

Western Bureau:

The 18th renewal of the annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash, which was not staged last year because of a temporary ban the police placed on the MXIII Lawn in Negril, is set to return this Saturday and Sunday at the scenic West End Road venue.

"Everything is ready and in place for what should be a fabulous celebration," said an elated Clive Pringle, the promoter of the event. "Some of the overseas fans, who came here last year and were left disappointed, are back this year and are really looking forward to having a great time."

The concert segment, which will be staged on Saturday night, will be headlined by international recording star Jah Cure. The line-up also includes the veteran Freddie McGregor, Richie Stephens, Admiral Tibet, Chino, Stephen McGregor and Laden. The backing band is the western Jamaica-based SAME band.

"Because of the disappointment of last year, we wanted to make this year's event very special, hence our decision to pull out all the stops to get Jah Cure," said Pringle. "We are now satisfied that we have a package to give value for money - I am really excited about what we are offering."

On Sunday, the line-up will be a mixed bag catering to both roots/culture and dancehall fans. For the roots fans, there will be Nyabinghi presentation featuring Rastafarian drummers during the day at MXIII, while at nightfall, the action will switch to the Negril Beach Park for a sound clash, featuring Black Blunt, Black Widow and Brother Hype.

"We recognise that different people have different tastes," said Pringle. "Hopefully, by adding variety to what we are doing, we will satisfy the various tastes."

The Bob Marley Birthday Bash is one of a several global events staged annually to mark the birthday of the late reggae icon, who died in 1981.