The Rototom Sunsplash Festival Set to Lock Down Europe

Rototom Sunsplash is one of the largest reggae festival in Europe. Ever since 1994, when the festival first started, it has been drawing thousands of young people from every corner of the world to North-eastern Italy: every year, the Rivellino Park in Osoppo becomes a multi-ethnic village where people live together under banner of peace, respect and freedom.Last year (2008) over 150,000 persons attended the festival: most of them camped at the venue, either in camper vans or tents, whereas others booked rooms in the various hotels and bed & breakfasts in the environs. Everything was sold out for a radius of 30 km.

This original event combines music and engagement, fun and opportunities to meet, discuss and reflect upon various issues. For ten consecutive days, together with the great live acts, there is a full schedule of various activities: debates, films and documentaries, photo exhibitions, workshops on percussions, African dance, Capoeira and Didjeridoo, sessions of meditation and alternative medicine, meetings on reggae music and Rasta culture. A professional team organizes creative workshops, puppet shows and juggling to entertain the large number of children that are always present at the festival.

More than a music festival, the Rototom Sunsplash can be considered a real holiday: during the daytime, those who do not attend the various debates and workshops can sunbathe, play frisbee or football, read, rest on a hammock or simply wander around the village, mixing with a multitude of new friends.

When the sun goes down, the lights on the main stage turn on and music becomes the undisputed protagonist. One after the other, the top artists and bands from Jamaica, Africa and Europe go on stage, giving rise to unforgettable performances. When the concerts finally come to a draw, everybody moves either to the dancehall tent where international sound systems play until dawn, or to the various ethnic stalls, to enjoy a quieter night.

Bars and restaurants are open all day and night to offer drinks and dishes from all over the world, whereas in the crowded, open-air market, reggae music and positive vibes spread out from every stall. As well as records and handcrafted products, in the market you can find many non-profit organizations who promote their countless activities, aimed at improving living standards around the world.

The staff working at the infopoint and the internet point speaks a number of languages, so that the over 50% of persons who come from outside Italy will also feel at home. Last year, the audience came from at least 16 countries round the world.

The 2009 edition of the event will be held from July 2 to 11, once again in the Rivellino Park in Osoppo.

The live acts will be broadcasted on radio by Popolare Network. Special programmes will be televised on the satellite channel Arcoiris. Live streaming will be available on our website.

The line-up of confirmed acts is as follows:

Thursday (2nd)
Main Stage: Alborosie, Steel Pulse, Skatalites, Ska-J
Dancehall: Channel One, Conscious Sound + guests

Friday (3rd)
Main Stage: Barrington Levy, Tiken Jah Fakoli, Twinkle Brothers, Train To Roots Dancehall: I-Tal Sound

Saturday (4th)
Main Stage: Linton Kwesi Johnson, Sud Sound System, European Reggae Finals, Gocoo
Dancehall: Lt. Stitchie – Backed by Sheriff Soundpatrol, Yaga Yaga

Sunday (5th)
Main Stage: Horace Andy, Rootz Underground, Easy Star All Stars, European Reggae Finals
Dancehall: Tba

Monday (6th)
Main Stage: Ali Campbell (ex-Ub40), Aggrolites, Congos
Dancehall: I-Shence, Ward 21

Tuesday (7th)
Main Stage: Beenie Man, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Freddy McGregor, Elijah & Dubby Conquerors.
Dancehall: Soul Stereo feat. Lone Ranger & Carlton Livingston

Wednesday (8th)
Main Stage: Buju Banton, Groundation, Sebastian Sturm
Dancehall: Tba

Thursday (9th)
Main Stage: Bunny Wailer, Capleton, Yt & Innerheart
Dancehall: Jungle Nite with Kenny Ken, Ragga Twins, Junglist Alliance

Friday (10th)
Main Stage: Sly & Robbie, Bitty Mclean, Pablo Moses, U Roy, New York Ska Jazz Ensemble
Dancehall: Shashamane Int’l – World Sound Cup Clash 2009 winner

Saturday (11th)
Main Stage: Anthony B, Third World, Glen Washington, Ava Leigh
Dancehall: One Love Hi Powa

Tickets are priced at 150 euro for a 10-day ticket, and 180 euro for a festival ticket with camping, and daily tickets 25 euro.