BOURNEMOUTH’S first ever reggae festival is coming to town this weekend after three years of setbacks.

Organisers of the event have been working for three years to get the festival off the ground, and it will finally take place at King’s Park from Friday to Sunday.

Event manager Lionel Yafele of Afro*disiac Live Radio, said: “We are buzzing to bring the first ever Bournemouth Reggae Weekender.

“We’re going to have loads of activities from stalls. There will be traders, food, arts, performers, singers. It’s going to be absolutely fun packed weekend, bringing it for all the community and everyone is invited.

“Believe it or not it’s been more than three years in the making, we’ve had our challenges along the way, but it’s been a great journey, the support we have had has been phenomenal. We are really looking forward to the festival.”

The event in 2019, which was sold-out, had to be cancelled following advice from the council.

The organisers said: “On the advice of the council regulatory team we are moving the date forward to summer 2020. As this is a family event, we are determined to get things right and work with the council. We are aware that many of you have been looking forward to this rare chance to experience the diverse cultural enrichment to our community and your chance will come again.”

The pandemic ground a halt to the festival in 2020 but it is now set to go ahead on Saturday and Sunday.

Cllr Philip Broadhead, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “With the bounce back challenge fund it’s about getting the area back up and running. What’s really interesting is the first event will be predominantly directed at the NHS workers that have helped us throughout the pandemic. We are really proud we have a thriving Afro-Caribbean community in the area, it’s great they are holding this. Our programme of summer events shows we have always got something going on and the fantastic communities we have.”