Promoter for the Fun in the son gospel festival, Tommy Cowan, speaking at the launch at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, UTech.

Eight years ago, an alternative to Spring Break was conceptualised. It was called 'Fun in the Sun - fun from alcohol and drugs'.

It has now become the largest gospel event for young people in Jamaica and on Friday evening, the seventh staging of the gospel event was launched at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium on the campus of the University of Technology (UTech).

Fun in the Sun 2009 will be staged at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Bowl. It will span an entire day and incorporates a variety of activities which include a Sports Zone, Kids Village and a 'War Cry', a march from Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre to the UWI Bowl.

On a spiritual high

"Whole heap of people gonna be saved," organiser Tommy Cowan told the large turnout of predominantly college students who, fresh on the heels of UTech's annual gospel concert, were on a spiritual high. And throughout the proceedings, they continued their outpouring of joy.

Thus, it was not surprising when they screamed at the mention of each name when the roll call of artistes for the 'Grand Gospel Concert' was taken: Carlene Davis, Judy Mowatt, Papa San, Goddy Goddy, DJ Nicholas, Judith Gayle, Omari, J Lee, J Cee, and more.

Gospel artiste Ryan Mark performing at the launch of the Fun in the Son gospel festival , held at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, UTech, on Friday, March 6. - Photos by Winston Sill/ Freelance Photographer