KINGSTON Jamaica, September 29th, 2011 -- On Thursday, September 22 at 17:59, Guinness drinkers around the world, raised their glasses in tribute to Arthur Guinness, brewer of the well loved stout. The festivities formed part of Arthur’sDay™, the commemoration of the life and legacy of Arthur Guinness, founder of Guinness®.
The epicenter of this year’s celebrations in the Caribbean was the National Indoor Sports centre in Kingston Jamaica where the concert was filmed and televised live in thirteen (13) territories across the region as well as streamed live to over twenty-three thousand (23’000) fans on the brand’s Facebook page.
Gareth Geddes, Guinness’® Regional Brand Manager said the night’s festivities were aimed at not only recognizing the originator of the great Irish brew but the loyal customers who have enjoyed the beer over the years, making it one of the most successful beverages to date.
“Each year through Arthur’s Day™ we here in the Caribbean join in the global celebration. It’s a big thing to be around for 252 years. It’s important to celebrate that milestone. We’re building a legacy, a brand, and we’re adding value to the consumer experience by ensuring that with these kinds of activities they recognize that Guinness® is not just a drink, it’s a lifestyle.”
Geddes said, adding that with thousands of fans on the Guinness® Caribbean page, drinkers in this part of the world already understand that by choosing Guinness® they are part of a select club of drinkers with discerning taste.
2011 marks 252 years since Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease for the St. James Gate Brewery in Dublin Ireland, the place where the iconic stout is made to this day. The day also celebrates the start of a phenomenal story of quality, entrepreneurship and longevity.
He added that the story of Guinness embodies reaching for the ultimate heights of success, a lesson that all persons can seek to learn. “The message is simple; it’s about reaching for greatness, that’s our mantra. We hope to inspire people looking to tap into their own potential to be ambitious and to never stop aiming for the sky. Just go forth and do it!
Rocking the crowd at the arena were three of the Caribbean’s most talented performers; Reggae crooner I-Octane and Dancehall artiste Assassin of Jamaica and representing for the Soca massive was Kes and the Band, Trinidad and Tobago’s 2011 Soca Monarch winners.
As a longstanding fan of Guinness, I-Octane said he was honoured and humbled to be chosen to be a part of the region’s Arthur’s Day Celebrations. “Guinness® has always been a part of the nation itself from the hardcore dancehall where the men drink a Guinness® and hold a vibe; to the house where you may draw for a bottle of Guinness® to add to your carrot juice on a Sunday.
So for me to be part of a celebration of a drink that has been such a huge part of Jamaican culture and that has been around for 252 years, it’s a great feeling”, he said. For Dancehall artiste Assassin one lesson worth learning from the Arthur Guinness story is the importance of endurance and dedication in ensuring success.
“When you talk about ultimate longevity it’s something that I strive for in this music and this friends put together a product in 1759 and it stand the test of time by any account over two centuries so to have such an accomplishment of course it means you did something well and you made a mark on the world stage so that is the one lesson me and other young people can take from Arthur that although we are in this thing only for a time we can do things that can last beyond our lifetime.”
Caribbean nationals viewed the phenomenal concert was streamed live online and on 15 regional television stations in thirteen (13) islands. Robert Chantrelle, Production Manager of Arthur’s Day™ Live was pleased to be a part of the celebration.
“The amount of people that you can fit into a single venue pales in comparison to the number of eyes you can get with TV and what Guinness® did with the Arthur Guinness Live 2011 show was to essentially build a TV studio in the National Indoor Sports Centre that would provide those present with an unforgettable experience but also allow us to package one of the most impressive two hour shows produced in the Caribbean.”
Arthur’s Day™ commemoration began in 2009, and includes activities aimed at celebrating the creator of Ireland’s most famous export as well as fans of the well loved beer. Last year’s celebration in Jamaica saw patrons being treated to the very best in dancehall music as well as international acts Wyclef Jean and Busta Rhymes.
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