A selector-led celebration of British reggae is moving to Jamaica’s north coast for Heroes Weekend, with the third staging of “Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae” scheduled for Friday, October 16 at Ocean’s 11 Bar and Restaurant in Ocho Rios.
The event previously staged its first two editions in Kingston. Organiser and veteran broadcaster/photojournalist Steve James has said the move to Ocho Rios is intended to connect with Jamaicans travelling for the holiday weekend as well as returning residents and overseas visitors.
British reggae with deep Jamaican roots
The event is built around lovers rock, the romantic reggae style that developed in Britain’s West Indian communities during the 1970s. Its history includes British-based singers such as Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson, Peter Hunnigale and Maxi Priest, while Jamaican artists including Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, John Holt and Sugar Minott also became important to British reggae audiences.
James is expected to lead the selectors for the Ocho Rios edition alongside Twinn Spinn of Fetedayz Radio, DJ Jacko of King Jammy Sound System and London-based Buppy C of Vibes FM.
A different Heroes Weekend option
Rather than a conventional live-concert format, the event is being presented as a music-focused session built around full selections, classic lovers rock and British reggae. Organisers have also left open the possibility of guest artist appearances.
The October 16 staging gives Ocho Rios another reggae-focused event during a busy Heroes Weekend period that will also see several large entertainment series operating across Jamaica.
Event details
Event: Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Venue: Ocean’s 11 Bar and Restaurant
Location: Ocho Rios, St Ann, Jamaica
Verified sources
- Jamaica Observer: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2026/09/29/lovers-rock-night-british-reggae-moves-ocho-rios-heroes-weekend/
- South Florida Caribbean News: https://sflcn.com/lovers-rock-reggae-heads-to-ocho-rios/amp/
