Alkaline’s New Rules Festival returns to Jamaica - Event heads west for first time

Dancehall heavyweight Alkaline is set to return to Jamaica with his New Rules Festival after three years.

Following his announcement about his upcoming New Rules event for London, United Kingdom, and Toronto, Canada, he told THE WEEKEND STAR on Thursday that he will also be bringing the energy, the excitement, and the culture back home. During the interview, he said that for the first time in the event's history, New Rules Festival is moving outside Kingston. Fans can mark their calendars for Saturday, July 5, when the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium will transform into the ultimate dancehall paradise.

This return marks a monumental moment for Jamaica's entertainment industry, following the electrifying 2017 and 2022 Kingston editions of the event. Alkaline, will also be working alongside New Era Productions to host the event, aims to raise the bar yet again, delivering a festival that will showcase an elite mix of established and emerging dancehall talents. The move outside of the country's capital is a strategic one to make the event more accessible to fans across the island. Alkaline himself expressed his excitement about bringing the festival to Trelawny, which is his mother's home parish.

"So it's only fitting. This summer, it's the place to hold a vibe with my family and fans. It's more than just another New Rules experience. Jamaica, the time is now!" Alkaline told THE WEEKEND STAR. that the night promises a high-energy experience, bringing together music lovers from across the island and the globe for an unforgettable celebration of contemporary dancehall culture. For her part, Kereena Beckford, Alkaline's manager, echoed the sentiment, noting that fans in western Jamaica have long been waiting for an event of this magnitude.

"Over the years, Kingston and St Andrew municipality has been the home to many big festivals. However, entertainment lovers from the island's western side have been somewhat excluded. Alkaline and New Era Production's decision to take the show to Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium this year is to cater to a wider fanbase," she stated.

To add to this, Rickardo Shuzzr, Alkaline's publicist, also chimed in and highlighted the festival's impact on the country over the years.

"The western region has contributed significantly to Jamaica's vibrant culture, and this event will ignite economic activity while providing an iconic experience for Alkaline's fans," Shuzzr said.

He added that the 2025 edition of New Rules Festival in Jamaica will not just be another concert, but a full-fledged experience. With Alkaline at the helm, fans can expect dynamic performances, an electrifying stage show, and a festival atmosphere infused with the best of Jamaican music, art, and culture. With tickets up for sale on March 7 via ticketgateway.com, fans can expect this to be one of the most talked-about events of the year.