Festival safety

Reggae Sumfest 2025 kicked off with electrifying performances and the crowning of Vybz Kartel as King of Dancehall—only for Night One to be overshadowed by a crowd stampede triggered when fans breached a VIP barrier. Multiple injuries followed, prompting organisers and Montego Bay security teams to activate emergency protocols and commit to enhanced safety measures. Plans include bolstered fencing, increased crowd control staff, improved vehicle/traffic logistics, and comprehensive security collaboration. While the festival’s atmosphere remained charged and theatrical, the incident served as a sobering reminder that safety must match spectacle—a lesson organisers are addressing fully before Night Two.