PURE excitement is in the air as Lindeners ready themselves to welcome American, Grammy-nominated Hip Hop singer, Rick Ross and Jamaican artiste, ‘Valiant’, at the Linden Town Week’s International Mega Concert on May 6.

A collaborative effort between De Sheriff Entertainment – a Linden-based promotion company – and Dream Team Entertainment, it is the first international mega concert that will be held in the mining town.

This will be the first time an artiste of this calibre will be in Linden, Public Relations Officer, Vanessa Braithwaite, told Buzz this week.

“The idea is to provide patrons with an entertainment package of that calibre right in their hometown because normally when there are shows with regional and international artistes, we have to travel to Georgetown to enjoy.”

Apart from affording residents this opportunity, the intention is also to brand Linden Town Week in such a way as to attract more visitors. “This is our 54th year, so it can attract more persons from the diaspora to come to Linden, which will have a ripple spin off on the economy as well.”

In addition to the international artistes, local entertainers will also be on the scene, along with a good DJ line up.

“There is a lot of excitement in the environment because it’s the first time we are having an international artiste in the town. I would say thousands of persons are already here from the diaspora; Lindeners who live in the diaspora have come home. The town is buzzing right now and I think because of this event, we are seeing an increase in visitors; not only Lindeners living in the diaspora but also domestic tourists, foreign tourists and so forth.”

Traditionally, events like these are held at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. This time though, the concert will be held at the Retrieve Ground, a new ground which will be transformed to include adequate security.

In celebrating 54 years of being a township, over 51 events blending culture, recreation and education are part of this year’s town week that is being held under the theme, “One People! One Nation! One Destiny! Linden! The Heart of Guyana!”

These events include art exhibitions and sports competitions, community service projects, educational workshops, and fetes. Additionally, the events are said to be designed to strengthen the bonds of unity among residents while also showcasing the town’s culture and potential.