Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival returns

One year after Hurricane Melissa forced organisers to reimagine one of Jamaica’s premier culinary and cultural festivals as a one-day benefit concert, the Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival is officially returning home to Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, from November 6-8, 2026.

The announcement comes as organisers celebrate the successful fulfilment of a promise made to the parish’s farming community, with the handover of $1,000,000 to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining to support farmers impacted by the hurricane. The donation fulfils the commitment made following the 2025 benefit concert, which replaced the festival’s traditional three-day staging to raise funds for agricultural recovery after Hurricane Melissa.

The contribution is now being used by the ministry to provide critical support to farming families across St Elizabeth, including trucking water to farmers affected by the current dry conditions, demonstrating the lasting impact of a community that came together when it mattered most.

Festival Founder and Co-Director Jason Henzell said fulfilling the festival’s commitment to the farmers of St Elizabeth was always a priority, noting that the experience has only strengthened the festival’s connection to the parish and its people.

“I’m very proud that, despite the passing of Hurricane Melissa, the Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival was able to fulfil its obligations to the farmers of St Elizabeth. I’ve had the opportunity of meeting farmers not only in Pedro Plains and the Santa Cruz Mountains, but going as far as Black River and Ginger Hill. Seeing first-hand the incredible work they do has made me truly appreciate the importance of food security and reinforced why I conceptualised the Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival in the first place, because our farmers deserve to be celebrated,” Henzell said.

Minister Green commended the festival organisers for honouring their commitment and highlighted the positive impact the donation is already having on farming communities.

“The Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival was a truly excellent event, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which was a testament to the resilience of the people of St Elizabeth. The team from the festival stayed true to their commitment of contributing J$1,000,000 to help the farmers of St Elizabeth, largely South St Elizabeth, and that contribution has now come in very handy as it is being channelled into trucking water to farmers in these dry conditions and to farm families. We look forward to the next staging, and we know it will be bigger and better,” the minister stated.

The return of the festival marks an important milestone for Treasure Beach and the wider parish of St Elizabeth. While Hurricane Melissa temporarily changed the festival’s plans, it never changed its purpose. Instead, organisers, sponsors, performers, patrons and community partners came together to support the very people who have long been at the heart of the festival, the farmers who have helped establish St Elizabeth as Jamaica’s breadbasket.

This year’s staging carries special significance as visitors will once again experience three unforgettable days celebrating Jamaica’s finest food, premium rums, reggae music, local artisans and authentic community culture, against the stunning backdrop of Treasure Beach. More importantly, the festival continues its mission of shining a spotlight on the farmers, fishers, chefs, entrepreneurs and creatives whose passion and hard work define the spirit of St Elizabeth.

For the people of Treasure Beach, the festival’s return is more than the revival of a signature event, it is a celebration of resilience, recovery and community.