History of Reggae Bridport
Bridport’s connection to reggae is deeply rooted in its local creative community, specifically through the work of internationally acclaimed photographer Adrian Boot and the town's active vinyl culture.
Recent "Reggae Bridport" Celebration
In the summer of 2025, the town hosted a major cultural project titled "Reggae Bridport" at the Bridport Arts Centre. The initiative explored the genre's history through several key lenses:
Adrian Boot's Photography: A West Dorset resident, Boot served as the chief photographer for Island Records and captured many of the genre's most iconic images. The exhibition featured his portraits of Bob Marley, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, and Gregory Isaacs.
Historical Narrative: The exhibition was divided into six sections covering reggae's Jamaican roots, its evolution in the UK, and sub-genres like Lovers Rock and Dancehall.
Film & Events: The celebration included screenings of cult classics like The Harder They Come and "in conversation" events with Boot and curator Jacqueline Springer.
Local Champions of the Genre
: This shop, located on the St Michael's Trading Estate, has been a central hub for reggae in Bridport since opening in 2016. Owner Roy Gregory has collaborated with legendary labels like Greensleeves Records to host showcases and DJ sets by figures such as David Rodigan.
Community Philanthropy: In late 2025, the Bridport reggae community raised over £2,000 for hurricane relief in Jamaica (following Hurricane Melissa). This effort was led by Clocktower Records and included an auction of signed Adrian Boot prints.
Record Culture: The town's quarterly "Vinyl Saturday" record fair often highlights reggae rarities, drawing collectors from across the region to discover everything from roots reggae to modern dub.
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