Festival fireworks

The 2025 National Fireworks Festival has been hailed by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) as a resounding national success, drawing thousands of Jamaicans across five locations: Kingston; Ocho Rios, St Ann; Montego Bay, St James; Black River, St Elizabeth and Negril, Westmoreland.

The annual festival was coordinated by the UDC in collaboration with key public and private sector partners and delivered a firework display that entertained families, visitors and communities alike as they welcomed the new year.

UDC Chairman Norman Brown described the festival as a powerful demonstration of national togetherness and resilience.

“The Fireworks Festival 2025 stands as a shining example of how public spaces can be transformed into places of joy, pride and shared experience. Seeing thousands of Jamaicans come out peacefully to celebrate reminds us why these initiatives are so important, they uplift communities, while strengthening social bonds and give a sense of hope and confidence in our collective future,” Brown said.

UDC General Manager Bobby Honeyghan credited the success of the festival to careful planning, strong partnerships and the overwhelming support of the public.

“This year’s Fireworks Festival exceeded expectations. The turnout was exceptional, the execution was seamless, and the response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. I commend our partners, the security forces, emergency services and the UDC team for working tirelessly to ensure a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience for all,” Honeyghan noted.

In addition to entertaining and lifting the spirit of Jamaicans, the festival sought to deliver meaningful economic and social benefits, providing opportunities for small vendors, entertainers and service providers, while reinforcing the role of public spaces as hubs for community engagement and cultural expression.