Downtown Kingston Carnival moves uptown

Downtown Kingston Carnival (DKC) is moving uptown. Announcing new routes is a move promoter O'Neil Smith knows is bound to get some backlash but he says that it is time the event sees a change.

"The aim is to expand the band and it's a brand, not defined by where we take it," he told THE WEEKEND STAR. "We are taking it uptown for the first time for its 20th staging because we see more communities becoming interested in participating in our carnival."

Instead of the usual starting point at Victoria Avenue to East Street, Parade and Heroes Circle, the proposed routes will find the band walking from Cross Roads on to Old Hope Road, then Oxford Road into New Kingston and Waterloo Road. It will also go on Constant Spring Road to Half-Way Tree and end at Chelsea Avenue.

"What began as a social intervention has grown into something more. Every five years we try to add a different element to re-energise the carnival ... to deliver what the people have requested. I believe I have achieved the goal to make more persons interested in having events in downtown Kingston and now it's time for us to gain," he said. "Most persons supporting the carnival are from the diaspora and visitors who over the years inquired about the band connecting with the other bands. Our brand falls under Carnival in Jamaica, agreeing to have the event in summer. So it just makes sense when thinking of it as a business."

Unlike other carnival bands, Smith said DKC was able to refund persons their deposits on costumes. He said that he suffered much loss and with budget cuts, he has not received any monetary sponsorships. Smith also explained that revellers are still wary about spending money on costumes.

"Costume sales are slow but picking up as people are also looking for a cheaper costume option especially those from overseas and groups of family and friends wanting to experience what it is like to be part of our band," Smith shared.

The theme for 2022 is 'Invincible' because "despite the struggles faced over the years between earning brand visibility to financial struggles with securing sponsorship, and even just the times we are seeing, we have conquered and stand strong." There are four costume design options: Pretty in Pink, Warrior Princess, Passion and Purple Dynasty.