The move to stage Red Stripe Bold Escape Weekend in Ocho Rios on Heroes Weekend by the beer's parent company was as bold as it was fabulous.

With five exhilarating parties over three days, there was no shortage of entertainment for residents of St Ann and those from outside the parish who were looking for some good fun over the weekend. And what a ball they had!

Impy Skimpy (South Beach) on Friday; Smirnoff Escape (Beach Paradise) and Tantrum (Flight 005) on Saturday, and Beer Fest (The Ultimate Wet Party) and Hallucinate (Mardi Gras Edition) on Sunday are the five parties that have thrilled party fans over the years that were merged for the Escape weekend.

It kicked off Friday evening with Impy Skimpy at the Richmond Estate then moved to Smirnoff Escape the following afternoon, from 2 to 10 p.m. at Old Fort Bay Beach in Mammee Bay.

Despite intermittent drizzles earlier and overcast conditions, Jazzy T, Delano and the Renaissance crew, along with DJ Timeless, Xclusive sounds and others, kept the party vibes flowing throughout.

entering the unknown

For those who might have missed either or both beach sessions, Tantrum with the appropriate subtitle Flight 005, held at the Ocho Rios Pier on Saturday night, was the perfect make-up. The setting was awesome, red drapes with gold trimmings signalled the entrance, giving one a sense of entering the unknown, but with an expectation of experiencing something special. And once inside, everyone knew it was party time.

There were bars with separate brandings for Red Stripe Bold, Smirnoff and Red Bull, and depending on the choice of drink, one would choose the appropriate outlet.

Later, on a stage behind one of the bars, a dance group performed some thrilling routines that captured the attention of the audience nearby.

From as early as the 10 p.m. start, Rapid Force sound system started building the party vibes, with Coppershot lifting the tempo when they took over with some party mixes.

DJ Timeless continued the vibes and had the crowd rocking to some retro grooves, getting the party hot even before the other selectors billed, Phil Dawg, Richie and ZJ Liquid, touched the stage.

Bartenders, in the meantime, were kept busy as the all-inclusive event had patrons clamouring for more Red Stripe Bold and other drinks that flowed all night.

best party vibes

Before too long, Flight 005 took off with what some said was the best party vibes for the entire weekend.

And when the plane landed at dawn, sometime after 5, it was a happy bunch of party lovers that streamed out of the venue.

But the weekend wasn't over. Another crowd turned out Sunday afternoon at Beer Fest at Old Fort Bay Beach to keep the party spirit moving along.

And later at 10 p.m. at Richmond Estate, Coppershot, Renaissance, along with DJs Timeless, Sani and Illusion, rocked the crowd until the early hours of Monday morning.

"Trust mi, it nice but mi feel seh next year still a go betta dan dis!" exclaimed a satisfied patron as he exited the venue.

Indeed, it was a great Escape.