ONE LOVE 2026 is set to redefine South Asia’s music landscape as Sri Lanka prepares to host the region’s first-ever reggae music festival on the shores of Bentota. The landmark event blends global music heritage, cultural unity, and destination tourism into a historic celebration.
ONE LOVE 2026 brings South Asia’s first reggae festival to Bentota
Sri Lanka is poised to enter the global music spotlight with the announcement of ONE LOVE 2026 – A Tribute to Bob Marley, South Asia’s first-ever reggae music festival. Scheduled from 27 to 29 March 2026, the three-day beachfront spectacle will unfold from 6.00 p.m. onwards on the golden sands of Bentota, marking an unprecedented cultural milestone for the region.
The historic announcement was officially made at a star-studded press conference hosted at NUWA Sri Lanka, Colombo’s newest ultra-luxury lifestyle and entertainment destination. The venue itself symbolised the scale and ambition of the festival, positioning Sri Lanka as an emerging hub for world-class entertainment experiences.
ONE LOVE 2026 will feature six internationally celebrated reggae icons, representing the largest-ever gathering of global reggae talent seen in Asia and the Pacific. The line-up includes Maxi Priest, widely known as the “Prince of Reggae,” legendary band The Wailers, Grammy-winning group Inner Circle, American reggae fusion pioneers Big Mountain, and Julian Marley and Ky-Mani Marley, the sons of the legendary Bob Marley. Their collective presence brings unparalleled authenticity and global prestige to the event.
The festival programme has been curated to deliver a powerful musical journey across three nights, with two headline acts each evening. The opening night on 27 March will feature The Wailers alongside Maxi Priest. On 28 March, Inner Circle and Big Mountain will take centre stage, while the closing night on 29 March will culminate with performances by Julian Marley and Ky-Mani Marley, offering a fitting tribute to their father’s enduring legacy.
Adding further star appeal, Kingsley Ben-Adir, who portrayed Bob Marley in the 2024 musical drama One Love, and the film’s director Reinaldo Marcus Green are also expected to attend the festival. Their presence strengthens the emotional and cultural connection between the event and the life, music, and message of Bob Marley.
Reggae music holds a deep cultural resonance in Sri Lanka, where generations have embraced its themes of peace, unity, and social justice. Organisers expect ONE LOVE 2026 to attract thousands of local fans while drawing significant numbers of visitors from India, the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Western countries, particularly travellers seeking a tropical escape during the northern hemisphere winter.
The festival is organised by Sri Lankan-owned One In A Million Entertainment Ltd., headquartered in Europe and Colombo, in collaboration with Caribbean Entertainment. The organisers bring a proven track record of introducing global music stars to Sri Lankan audiences, having previously facilitated performances by international artists such as Shaggy, Diana King, Maxi Priest, and Big Mountain. ONE LOVE 2026 represents the most ambitious chapter in that legacy.
Beyond entertainment, the event carries strong cultural and philanthropic significance. The festival aligns closely with the celebration of Bob Marley’s 81st birthday on 6 February, enhancing its emotional resonance among reggae fans worldwide. A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to a children’s orphanage water purification project led by the Indian Cultural Association in Sri Lanka. In addition, the festival is working alongside the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation to support charitable initiatives in Jamaica, reinforcing reggae’s longstanding association with social impact.
Ticketing has been structured to encourage broad participation while offering premium experiences. Standard daily tickets are priced at Rs. 10,000, while VIP tickets are available at Rs. 50,000 per day. Festival passes covering all three days are offered under an early bird promotion at Rs. 25,000 for standard access and Rs. 125,000 for VIP access. Tickets will be available via the PickMe Events platform, making access seamless for both local and international audiences.
The scale of the festival extends beyond the stage. An international artist delegation comprising an estimated 70-member crew will be hosted at NUWA Sri Lanka, underscoring Colombo’s growing reputation as a luxury hospitality and entertainment destination. NUWA Sri Lanka is part of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, owned by Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and represents a strategic partner in delivering the festival experience.
Commenting on the collaboration, Michael Habashi, Vice President and Property General Manager of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, said the property was proud to serve as the hospitality partner for South Asia’s first reggae festival. He noted that welcoming world-renowned reggae legends aligns with Colombo’s evolution as an entertainment hub and reflects a commitment to championing creativity, supporting the arts, and bringing globally iconic experiences to Sri Lanka.
From a tourism and cultural perspective, ONE LOVE 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment. As Sri Lanka continues to reposition itself as a premium destination for international events, festivals of this scale play a vital role in boosting visibility, extending visitor stays, and showcasing the country’s natural beauty alongside its cultural openness. Bentota’s iconic coastline provides a fitting backdrop for a festival rooted in themes of harmony, freedom, and shared humanity.
With its world-class line-up, strong cultural foundations, and philanthropic focus, ONE LOVE 2026 is more than a music festival. It represents a bold statement of Sri Lanka’s readiness to host globally significant cultural events, uniting music lovers across borders in a celebration of reggae’s enduring spirit.