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© 2025, Urban Development Corporation

UDC Marks Overwhelming Success of Fireworks Festival as Thousands of Jamaicans Ring in the New Year Across 5 Locations

Kingston, Jamaica, January 2, 2026: The 2025 National Fireworks Festival has been hailed a resounding national success, drawing thousands of Jamaicans across 5 locations; Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Black River and Negril, in an atmosphere of joy, unity and celebration, as they welcome the new year. The annual festival, proudly coordinated by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) in collaboration with key public and private sector partners, once again delivered a world-class firework display that captivated families, visitors and communities alike. From early evening, venues were filled with excitement as patrons enjoyed musical selections, family-friendly activities and a vibrant festive ambiance, culminating in breath-taking midnight fireworks displays. Chairman of the UDC, 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,” Chairman Brown said. General Manager of the UDC, 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,” Mr Honeyghan noted.

In addition to entertaining and lifting the spirit of Jamaicans, the festival delivered 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. The Urban Development Corporation expresses gratitude to its sponsors, stakeholders and the Jamaican people for their continued support, and reaffirms its commitment to creating inclusive, well-managed spaces and events that enhance quality of life and national pride. The UDC is grateful to have delivered a renewed sense of optimism, unity and celebration and setting a bright tone for the year ahead.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Urban Development Corporation has signalled an ambitious and transformative programme of work, with major focus areas including the Raintree Commercial Complex, continued upgrades under the Kingston Waterfront Improvement Project, the advancement of the Portmore Resilience Park, further development in the Caymanas area, and the enhancement of the Dunn’s River Falls and Park, one of Jamaica’s most iconic and world-famous attractions.

Together, these initiatives underscore the Corporation’s commitment to sustainable development, economic growth and the creation of inclusive spaces that continue to improve the lived experience of Jamaicans. This year’s Fireworks event was supported by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the Airports Authority of Jamaica, the CHASE Fund, Pan Jamaica Group, the National Housing Trust, Restaurants of Jamaica Limited, (KFC), Worthy Park Estate, GraceKennedy Limited, Marathon Insurance Brokers, Red Stripe, Massey Distribution, Ammars, First Global Bank, First Heritage Co- operative Credit Union, and Digicel, with additional support from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, and the National Works Agency, Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, JAMMS, JACAP, Jamaica Biscuit Company and Digicel

Corporate Relations and Marketing Department

cr@udcja.com

8763748653 / +1 (876) 276-5322

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