Kymani Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, will be the featured performer at this year's Street Fest next Friday, December 5.

And if you think you can't afford to go, don't worry about it – it's free.

The event would have cost organisers Gina Spence Productions approximately $100,000.

However generous sponsorship from the Gibbons Group of Companies is allowing them to offer it to the public without charge. At a press conference yesterday, Gina Spence-Farmer said the event would be held at Union Square.

An annual event, Street Fest is to celebrate its 30th anniversary with performances from the Bermuda Regiment and Pipe Band, Septimus, Lady Tyson, various choirs and, of course, the headliner, who will be doing a tribute to his late father.

Mr. Marley's set will last for one hour and 15 minutes – aside from his musical performance, he is expected to give a talk on unification.

According to Mrs. Spence-Farmer, the singer was specifically chosen through focus groups conducted with young people who agreed his reputation as a lively performer would draw the greatest crowd.

"We want to get the young people involved so we have to give them an alternative," she said.

All performances and messages on the night will carry a common theme of unity.

In addition to the performances, there will be face painting, food vendors and more, in what Mrs. Spence-Farmer described as a "very festive area". The festivities will span the junction of Court and Elliott streets and go the length of Elliot Street.

Site manager Jerome Robinson said a stage measuring 28 by 24 feet, will be placed in front of VL's Variety. The parking lot in Union Square will be closed off, with food vendors at the eastern end and sponsors' tents at the western end.

Across the street, in the parking lot at Victoria Clinic, and on the right-hand side of Elliott Street, there will be bleachers for seating. People can also bring their own chairs.

Large screens will be erected featuring positive messages from members of the community including MP Ashfield DeVent.

Mrs. Spence-Farmer added: "Street Fest 2008 will set the tone for the year ahead. It will celebrate our community values and remind us of the things that have stood the test of time. It's an event for the entire family."

Although organised as an intimate event, Mr. Robinson said anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000 people are expected to attend.

The event is to run from 7 p.m. through 9 p.m.