As part of its ongoing effort to promote downtown Kingston as an ideal location for business and pleasure the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has collaborated with Scotiabank Kingston and the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation to host several events under the theme “Christmas in the City, Downtown Comes Alive.”
In commemoration of its 120th Anniversary, Scotiabank will host a Downtown Grand Market and Fashion Show, featuring Saint International and Celebrity Models on King Street on Wednesday, December 16, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. The UDC will also host two events on the Kingston Waterfront. These include the UDC’s Annual Carol Service and Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will be held on Thursday, December 17, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and Christmas Fiesta which will be held on Friday, December 18, from 10:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Corporation’s Annual Carol Service and Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place in Orange Square and will feature performances from Toni-ann Baker, a member of the Scotia Singers, the Corporate Area Civil Court Choir, the Musical Apostles Steel Band and the UDC Chorale.
The celebration continues the following day when the Corporation will host their 3rd Annual Christmas Fiesta, at the same location in Orange Square. The event will feature entertainment from TO- ISIS, Cabaret Singer Althea Hewitt, Comedian Mr. Famous and the music of D.J. Stokey Love. Patrons will also be able to purchase authentic Jamaican cuisine, as well as a variety of Jamaican products such as craft and market items. Patrons can also view displays by the Jamaica Four H Clubs and the Institute of Jamaica.
Throughout 2009, downtown Kingston received attention from the UDC, as projects such as the redevelopment of St. William Grant Park and the construction of the Simon Bolívar Cultural Centre and the bus park component of an Urban Transport Centre continued to be implemented in phase one of a comprehensive proposal to redevelop downtown Kingston.