Hi

We are coming to Jamaica next week from the UK for a vacation - can't wait! We've never been to the Caribbean before. We are a family of four including two daughters 15 and 12. Since the sumfest is on when we're there I thought it would be great to visit it to experience partytime in Jamaica. It looks to me as though one of the first 2 days would be best - the Beach Party on Sunday, and Mad Monday.

Which do you think would be best for a family just wanting to wander round and enjoy the atmosphere? Is it a family-friendly kind of event or have I got the wrong idea? Any suggestions?

Thanks
Doug

I haven't been to Sumfest. I have been to several concerts in Jamaica, some with my 13 year old son. The huge and sometimes wild crowds at some of the events made me wish I had not brought him along as I feared for his safety. Except for one bottle throwing/riot incident, everything was fine.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

Wait til Tia sees this thread. She's the Sumfest expert. Sorry I don't know but if I win my trip tonight I'll be able to write about it this year!!!

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

jomo! that's like saying, "i only needed 130 stitches after the shark attack." LOLOL! shoot, who doesn't love a lil rioting every now and then?

i had a similar experience at sumfest. a fight broke out and one guy was chasing down another so that he could bash him with his folding chair. he didn't catch up with him and the fight lasted less than a minute.

i was also a little fearful when people broke out the fireworks and a some of them tipped over and shot off at us. the jomos know that i don't play when it comes to fireworks shooting off sideways instead of up in the air. lol

nope, wouldn't miss sumfest for the world!

Okay who brings a folding chair to Sumfest??????????????? I ain't planning on sitting down!!!!

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

I agree a chair????? that defeats the whole purpose!
Since there are 5 days of events I woudl take a chance with the beach party that will probably be a lot calmer.
Ive been to tons of shows both Jamaican and Trini and my advice is to wear the most comfortable shoes that you can move in. I learned my lesson on looking cute instead of comfortable.
Have fun no matter what you chose to do!!!!!

I'm still leary of taking the kiddies along. Wasn't that the whole point of his post?

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

yeah, standing/dancing all night in comfy shoes is ok. i pray it will be just like last year, cool at night and no mosquitos.

the chair- well it was the folding stool kind that some vendors sell at the venue. i've also seen lots of people bring those folding vinyl chairs that fit in a bag you can sling over your shoulder. but, like y'all said, i have no intentions of sitting at sumfest!

yes jomo, we're off topic. lemme try to reel it all in: i wouldn't recommend bringing kids to a sumfest event either.

I wouldn't want to bring my kid either. I act a fool when I'm in a setting like that and I don't want to have to curb myself. He'd probably take off on me and go find some girl to hang with anyways.

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

Well, I went about 3 yrs ago and guns were fired (twice). We were standing about in the middle of the crowd and I turned my back on the crowd to talk to my friend. The next thing I knew, she yelled for me to run. I turned back around and saw the crowd rushing at me then I started to run and tripped over my friend who had fallen. By the time we got up and made our way the the gate, our male friends were already at the gate (we should have known then that they were no good). My friends fingernail was ripped from the bedding, so we are standing at the gate trying to stop the bleeding and the crowd is coming back into the arena and guns were fired again. I told my friend we are getting out of here, I did not come to JA to die. After all this, my friend would like to go to another Sumfest, but not me. I really, really would not take any children, you just don't know what could happen. I saw alot of people with chairs or parts of boxes sitting, I was sho' wishing I had one.

That kind of thing happens more then it should, Jamika.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

Thanks everyone. Sounds like we should give it a miss, don't need that kind of aggravation on holiday! I know there are a million other fun things to do, I don't think we'll have any problem filling the time in

I think that is a good idea. You are right, there are so many other things to do in JA, your head will spin and you'll force yourself to slow down. My advice is not to plan too many things beforehand. I did that my first trip and by the end of every day, the kids and I were exhausted and feeling like we didn't get to relax at all. Take each day as it comes. Your hotel can help you plan some day trips or whatever when you are ready.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...