Jamaica’s iconic coastal tourist hub of Ocho Rios, St Ann, wrapped up its highly anticipated 2026 Vacae Easter Weekend on a high note on Monday night, as the Campari-sponsored Sandz Festival closed out the four-day entertainment extravaganza with electrifying energy and unforgettable moments. Held at the scenic Plantation Cove venue, the closing showcase drew a massive, lively crowd of music fans and event-goers who turned out in droves to experience the final highlight of the annual holiday series. Renowned for its large-scale production and top-tier curation, Sandz once again exceeded industry and audience expectations, blending dynamic live performances from some of the Caribbean’s hottest talent with sets from A-list regional DJs to craft an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience for attendees.
Headlining the closing night was Malie Donn, one of the most rapidly rising stars in the global dancehall scene, whose commanding stage presence cemented his status as a leading new voice in the genre. Performing under his popular V6 deejay alias, Malie Donn delivered a high-octane, engaging set that held the packed crowd’s attention from start to finish. He ran through a catalog of fan-favorite hits, including *7:00 p.m.*, *Body Tea*, and *Dragga*, with each track sparking loud sing-alongs and crowd energy that rippled across the venue. His standout performance only reinforced his growing reputation and expanding footprint within the global dancehall community, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
Complementing Malie Donn’s show-stopping set was this year’s immersive “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme, which brought a bold, cohesive visual identity to the entire festival grounds. From large-scale stage architecture to detailed decorative touches throughout the venue, the theme was executed flawlessly, boosting the overall festive atmosphere and delivering a visually stunning, cohesive experience that attendees praised across social media.
For event organizers, the seamless execution of this year’s Sandz Festival is a clear reflection of the steady growth and ambitious vision of Vacae Weekend, which has rapidly established itself as one of the Caribbean’s premier premium entertainment brands. Andrew Ellis, CEO of Twenty14 Ltd – the parent company behind Vacae Weekend – shared his enthusiasm after the event closed. “This year, Sandz was all about delivering a powerful, memorable finish to the perfect Easter weekend,” Ellis explained. “From the talent lineup to the production details, every element came together perfectly, and we remain incredibly proud of the work our entire team puts in to bring an event of this scale to life.”
This year’s Vacae Weekend would not have been possible without the ongoing support of title sponsor Campari Group, whose continued investment in Jamaica’s entertainment and cultural sector played a central role in elevating the entire weekend experience. Through its extensive portfolio of premium beverage brands, Campari enhanced multiple touchpoints across the four-day series, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting events that celebrate Caribbean music, lifestyle, and unique cultural heritage. For returning attendees and first-time visitors alike, the 2026 Campari Sandz Festival delivered a closing experience that will be remembered until next year’s edition of the popular holiday series.