Reggae in the Park – Antigua Sailing Week
Reggae in the Park in 2018. © Paul Wyeth
“Reggae in the Park” the mid-regatta concert was introduced as an official Antigua Sailing Week event in 2010, conceived as a way to blend world-class sailing with the vibrant cultural energy of Antigua and Barbuda. The vision was to create an unforgettable night of music, community, and celebration—one that would appeal to both visiting sailors and locals alike.
The event quickly became a cornerstone of the shore-side festivities associated with Sailing Week, offering a distinctly Caribbean flair to the week-long regatta. The first two editions were held at the Shirley’s Heights Lookout lawn. To mange the increase in demand and to further immerse the sailors the event was moved to the historic Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, where many of the participants enjoyed a front row seat to the concert from the comfort of their deaks. This location which is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,created an atmosphere unlike any other – paring the unifying messages of reggae together with the ambiance of heritage architecture and an ocean breeze under the stars.
From the very beginning, Reggae in the Park attracted top-tier regional and interrnational reggae artists. Acts such as Tarrus Riley, Steel Pulse, Third World, Junior Kelly, Kymani Marley, and have graced the stage, performing to packed crowds of sailors, Antiguans, and global visitors. The event has also become a platform for showcasing local talent, helping to elevate Antiguan and Caribbean musicians to a broader audience.
Beyond music, Reggae in the Park has become a celebration of Caribbean identity and a key driver of cultural tourism. It’s not just a concert—it’s an immersive experience that brings together yachting culture, Caribbean rhythm, and community pride. Attendees enjoy not just the music, but local food, craft vendors, and the unique vibe that only a night in English Harbour can offer.
Over the years, the event has grown in scale and reputation, becoming one of the most anticipated highlights of Antigua Sailing Week. Despite occasional challenges—such as weather impacts or the global pause during the COVID-19 pandemic—Reggae in the Park has remained resilient, returning each year with fresh energy and a deep commitment to celebrating Caribbean music and heritage.
Today, it stands as not only a signature event of Antigua Sailing Week, but also one of the most loved music events in the region—bringing together people of all backgrounds for a shared celebration of sailing, sound, and the soul of the islands.