Rototom Sunsplash is an Italian reggae festival, which takes place in Rivellino Park at the foot of the Italian Alps. Taking place from Thursday 2nd until Saturday 11th July 2009. The event offers ten days Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall plus a very attractive and diversified supporting programme (African Drums, Capoeira courses, photo exposition, and more.
The line-up of confirmed acts is as follows:
Thursday (2nd):
Main Stage: Alborosie, Steel Pulse, Skatalites, Ska-J
Dancehall: Channel One, Conscious Sound + guests
Friday (3rd):
Main Stage: Barrington Levy, Tiken Jah Fakoli, Twinkle Brothers, Train To Roots
Dancehall: I-Tal Sound
Saturday (4th):
Main Stage: Linton Kwesi Johnson, Sud Sound System, European Reggae Finals, Gocoo
Dancehall: Lt. Stitchie - Backed by Sheriff Soundpatrol, Yaga Yaga
Sunday (5th)
Main Stage: Horace Andy, Rootz Underground, Easy Star All Stars, European Reggae Finals
Dancehall: Tba
Monday (6th):
Main Stage: Ali Campbell (ex-Ub40), Aggrolites, Congos
Dancehall: I-Shence, Ward 21
Tuesday (7th):
Main Stage: Beenie Man, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Freddy McGregor, Elijah & Dubby Conquerors
Dancehall: Soul Stereo feat. Lone Ranger & Carlton Livingston
Wednesday (8th):
Main Stage: Buju Banton, Groundation, Sebastian Sturm
Dancehall: Tba
Thursday (9th):
Main Stage: Bunny Wailer, Capleton, Yt & Innerheart
Dancehall: Jungle Nite with Kenny Ken, Ragga Twins, Junglist Alliance
Friday (10th):
Main Stage: Sly & Robbie, Bitty Mclean, Pablo Moses, U Roy, New York Ska Jazz Ensemble
Dancehall: Shashamane Int'l - World Sound Cup Clash 2009 winner
Saturday (11th):
Main Stage: Anthony B, Third World, Glen Washington, Ava Leigh
Dancehall: One Love Hi Powa
Tickets are priced at 150 euro for a 10-day ticket, and 180 euro for a festival ticket with camping, and daily tickets 25 euro. To buy tickets, click here.
The stay at the festival can be combined with a holiday in northern Italy. Since the acts are perform mainly in the evening, you can use the days for excursions. The nearest train station is Gemona del Fruili near Udine. The festival takes place in the North-East of Italy so this gives lots of opportunity to visit the surrounding countries of Slovenia, Austria or Switzerland.
Taking the train, you can buy a straightforward return ticket, but if you don't want to stay for the full nine days of the festival then a 5 in 10 day rail-pass could work out cheaper. The most direct route to the festival is via Paris and Venice, with a one-hour bus journey for the last leg from Udine to Gemona del Fruili.
The coach is cheaper to get to Venice but they don't run every day so you need to be more flexible. On arrival in Venice you'll then need to buy train tickets locally for the last leg.
More information will be here when available.
