When the gates to the Paradise Park complex near Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland are opened this evening, there will be a slew of artistes to satisfy the hunger of reggae-loving fans.

The poster for the event boasts big names like Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Freddie McGregor, Charlie Chaplin, Luciano, Capleton and the inimitable King Sounds and Levi Roots who offer what is termed The Levi Roots Experience.

With the theme of this year's 24th staging of Western Consciousness being 'Impacting Reggae's New Generation', the event will also showcase the talents of reggae's most impactful young artistes, who will have the challenge of proving their mettle. Representing for the next generation will be Romain Virgo, Duane Stephenson, Prophecy, Jah Vinci, Khago, Iba Mahr, Jah 9, Stream, C-Sharp, Iyablazze, I Noah and Droop Lion. Also integral to the line-up is reggae singer Iley Dread, who has reinvented himself with a name change to Chardavid.

The backing band, as usual, will be SANE (Sounds Against Negative Expressions), and they will be complemented by the talented C Sharp and Uprising Roots bands.

According to promoter, Worrell King, his focus is on achieving that perfect balance of veterans and young acts to showcase reggae music during a year dedicated to Jamaica 50 celebrations.

King is delighted that he has managed to attract a solid line-up, and humbled that things have worked out so effortlessly in his favour. "Beres is in demand, but once I approached him, it was almost a given, because he really wanted to do the show. A quick sit-down with his manager and we had the green light," a smiling King said.

Western Consciousness, a King of Kings promotion, will be held at Paradise Park in Westmoreland this evening.

Cordel Green, DJ Linkage and Denise 'Isis' Miller are the emcees for tonight's event.