The British Council is backing the 2026 staging of the Lost in Time Festival through its Circular Culture programme, signalling a push to make Jamaica’s festival landscape more environmentally responsible.
Set for February 28 and March 1 at Hope Gardens in St Andrew, Lost in Time will feature performances from Protoje, Chronixx, and a mix of emerging and established reggae artistes.
Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, Damion Campbell, country director at the British Council for Jamaica and the Caribbean, underscored the environmental toll that large events can take.
“Festivals bring people together, create jobs, and drive tourism. However, they can also generate significant environmental impact due to the large volumes of waste, energy consumption, and single-use materials often associated with large-scale events. As climate change continues to affect small island states like Jamaica, the need for more responsible event production has become increasingly urgent,” Campbell said.
The reggae showcase was founded by siblings Oje ‘Protoje’ Ollivierre and LeAnn Ollivierre to honour reggae’s heritage, while spotlighting emerging Jamaican talent.
This year, the organisers will implement a zero single-use plastic policy, install clearly marked recycling stations, utilise LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment, and partner with vendors who prioritise sustainable, locally sourced materials.
With Hurricane Melissa’s recent destruction still fresh, festival director LeAnn Ollivierre said the action is both practical and symbolic.
“Sustainability is not just about reducing waste at the event. It is about educating our audience, setting a responsible example for the industry, and contributing in a tangible way. A portion of proceeds from this year’s festival will support Hurricane Melissa relief efforts through the Lost in Time Foundation, because celebration must also come with responsibility.”
