The 10th anniversary of the Portland Jerk Festival will be held from July 3-5 under the theme 'Origins of Jerk'.

The organisers say site preparations have begun in order to ensure that the grounds are ready. The completion of the St Mary/Portland leg of the North Coast Highway has also made the parish more accessible.

"Efforts are under way to make this year, the 10th anniversary of the event, into a much improved experience, making for an unforgettable weekend for the festival's thousands of loyal patrons and all other participants," read a release.

According to the CEO of the Portland Jerk Festival, Kasey Bourne, "the festival this year and beyond will be known as, and remembered for, the very best of authentic Jamaican jerked foods, an ultimate social experience, Portland's lush serenity and sea breeze and a respectable cultural and popular entertainment showcase".

Wholesome entertainment

The organisers are returning to the festival's core concept of showcasing the local jerk community to the world, while providing family entertainment.

"This has been the model that originally made the festival popular with Jamaicans who journey from the Corporate Area and several other parishes to Portland for the experience. Jerk has become world renowned and is certainly becoming another one of Jamaica's unique offerings that could be the country's next major tourist attraction," the release concluded.