THERE was little doubt that carnival season is back in full swing as soca-starved patrons packed into Mas Camp in

St Andrew for Bacchanal Friday’s opening night.

“This was a very good crowd and I’m optimistic for the rest of the season,” Michael Ammar Jr, Bacchanal Jamaica director, told the Jamaica Observer.

Once inside the venue partygoers were greeted with a refreshed venue featuring massive screens for both the DJ stage and the VIP patrons. Sponsors like Digicel, had also upped their game catering to the young audience looking to recharge physically and socially. Their air-conditioned booth offered credit and a charging station to keep patrons’ phones going for those must-have ‘selfie’ moments.

“It’s clear carnival is alive in Jamaica, and more importantly with the younger fans,” said Kamal Powell, Digicel’s senior sponsorship and development manager.

The audience ate up every note of music blasting through the speakers from three of the top soca DJs on the island, DJ Smoke, DJ Lantern and DJ Richie RAS, who closed out the show in the wee hours of the morning. They played everything from brand new hits to old favourites to keep everyone dancing. Around midnight, there was the extra attraction of the 2015 costumes paraded.

“We will be having more live entertainment this year to make sure the fans are familiar with all the music by the time the road march comes around,” Ammar Jr added.