Jamaica and the UK are set to rock to reggae rhythms this February as a series of events are planned across the Caribbean island and Great Britain to celebrate what would have been Bob Marley’s 70th birthday.

Activity in Jamaica on Bob Marley’s birthday weekend
The late, iconic reggae star Bob Marley is set to be remembered in his homeland of Jamaica with a landmark concert to mark what would have been his 70th Birthday. The artist who is famous for worldwide hits such as ‘No Woman No Cry’ and ‘One Love’ will be honoured by the people of Jamaica and fans from across the world with a musical tribute to the man that dedicated his life to music. 
Activities to mark the 70th anniversary of Bob Marley’s birthday will take place on February 6 at the Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road and Tuff Gong Studio on Marcus Garvey Drive. The day’s activities will include symposiums on Reggae Music and Reggae Jam sessions with Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid and Nomaddz.

Stars from the world of music will come together on 7 February 2015 at Kingston’s Waterfront to continue the celebration in honour of the music legend’s contribution to reggae. Three of Bob Marley’s sons - Stephen, Damian and Kymani, will headline the free concert with other music legends including the likes of Tarrus Riley, Marcia Griffith and Lauryn Hill set to perform to the crowds. Thousands of fans are expected to pay homage and head to Bob’s homeland to mark the anniversary.

The concert will feature as part of an annual month-long celebration dubbed Reggae Month It’s Kingston for February that will see Jamaica celebrate its roots as the home of reggae with a busy calendar of activities kicking off on 1 February 2015.

UK activity around Bob Marley’s birthday
Meanwhile here in the UK, Marley’s base for many years in the 1970’s, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is launching a social media campaign asking the UK to share details of how they plan to celebrate the star’s birthday on 6 February 2015. The JTB is seeking news and images from those lucky enough to be setting off to Marley’s homeland to commemorate the date, those who will be donning rasta wigs in his honour, videos of future reggae stars singing one of Bob’s hits or even those who will have his albums Legend and Exodus on repeat all day long.

Reggae month in Kingston for February
Reggae Month Its Kingston for February aims to use reggae music and its cultural significance to attract visitors to Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. Events include everything from family-friendly festivals and music performances, to food and cultural events, as well as international reggae conferences and lectures.  The month of celebrations will close with an exclusive awards ceremony by The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association on 28 February 2015. Reggae veterans John Holt and Hopeton Lewis will be recognised posthumously for their contribution to reggae music.

Those lucky enough to be in Jamaica for the landmark date and are looking to party in to the early hours, can head to Negril on the island’s west coast for the Bob Marley Birthday Bash, a week-long celebration in honour of the Three Little Birds singer. The Birthday Bash is now in its 23rd year and between 1 February and 6 February 2015 will invite visitors to enjoy a reggae party, live bands and tribute acts, all whilst enjoying the traditional flavours of Jamaica.