Reggae night aims to help hurricane relief efforts

A reggae sound system event is set to take place to raise funds for people still affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The category five storm hit Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba at the end of October, destroying buildings and power lines, flooding communities and leaving people without food or water.

Norwich Jamaica Aid said the event, on Friday at Space Studios in the city, would feature a range of reggae sound systems and selectors.

Finbarr Carter, student enterprise officer at the University of East Anglia (UEA), said: "We've been overwhelmed by DJs and sound systems from across the region who all want to give back to the island they love – an island that has given them so much."

Norwich Jamaica Aid is a coalition including Rebel Lion Sound System, UEA Students' Union, the university's African and Caribbean Society and other partners.

The group has sent emergency goods to Jamaica, including non-perishable food, medical supplies, and toiletries.

Mr Carter, also of Rebel Lion Sound System, said: "We want to bring people together through their shared love of reggae music and the place where it all originates, to raise vital funds."

One of the event's volunteers, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had family in Jamaica and wanted to help them and others affected

"We need families here to step up and get stuff out there," she said.

The event is set to run from 20:00 GMT until 03:00, with a line-up to include Ashanti Yard, Apex HiFi, Foundation Sound and Free King Sound.

Tickets are priced on a sliding scale, allowing people to pay what they can afford, with all proceeds going to Norwich Jamaica Aid.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.