AROUND 100 people attended the launch of the Jamaica Independence Festival 50 in Huddersfield.

It raised awareness and funds for JIF 50, a major community event planned for August 5 at Greenhead Park.

The main theme will be a celebration of the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Discovery Bay chef Barrington Douglas provided a taste of the Caribbean for the launch evening at the Hudawi Centre.

Among the guests were Clr Mehboob Khan, the Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, chaplain to the Queen and speaker of the House of Commons, Kirklees Deputy Mayor Clr Christine Iredale and Sir John Harman.

This year marks 50 years of independence for the former British colony.

Jamaicans also hope that on August 5, their sporting hero Usain Bolt will romp to victory in the 100m final at the London Olympics.

Plans for the summer spectacular include a carnival-style parade, local and international music artists, children’s events, Caribbean food and a performance of the musical play The Harder They Come, by former Huddersfield music legend Geraldine O’Connor.