Jamaica Independence celebrations in Birmingham - how people observed the day

The Independence Day of Jamaica (August 6th) was celebrated in Birmingham - which is home to large Jamaican diaspora - over the weekend with high tempo music, amazing food and more. The highly anticipated Jamaica 0121 festival returned to Aston Park, Birmingham to commemorate 61 years of Jamaican independence and 75 years of the iconic Windrush era.

Last year, 60th Jamaica Independence Day was celebrated in Victoria Square with a civic flag raising ceremony during Commonwealth Games 2022. Jamaica is a Commonwealth country after gaining independence from the British Empire in 1962. However, the head of state is still the British monarch, King Charles III, but that might change soon as the country is seeking constitutional reform.

Organiser Dean Alexander told BBC: “It’s very important for us. It marks a break from colonial rule and after 61 years we are still trying to establish ourselves on the world stage, so it’s great to come together to celebrate our culture and share it with other communities.”

The vibrant free and outdoor festival included pulsating rhythms of live bands, both local and international artists, and talented DJs. Festival-foers could indulge in the tantalizing flavours of Jamaican and Jerk cuisine, available from a wide array of stalls. People didn’t miss out the lively event even with heavy showers yesterday (August 6).

The line-up included artists like Etana, the Queen of Reggae, and Carrol Thompson, the UK’s Lovers Rock Queen. Joining them were Mike Anthony, Christine McNab, and a lineup of sensational acts. Birmingham’s No1 sound, Wasiffa showcase, and friends also kept the energy high.

Many people celebrated the exciting day and took to social media to share their experience from the different events that took place in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “A pleasure to attend the Association of Jamaican Nationals (Birmingham) U.K. service of praise and thanksgiving for the 61st Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence - at New Testament Church, Lozells - ‘Hope, Strength and Resilience.’”

A diaspora news organisation - Carribean News Network - said: “Thousands of people endured heavy rainfall to celebrate #Jamaica‘s Independence and its cultural contributions to the Midlands. The two-day Jamaica 0121 Festival took place in Aston Park, Birmingham, this weekend with live music from local and international acts.”