Further demonstrating its support for locally staged events and festivals, Tourism Solomons has stepped up as a bronze sponsor for this weekend’s Aelan Riddim Music Festival taking place at the Pacific Crown Hotel this weekend.
Organisers Makasi Sound & Entertainment are expecting a big turnout to see the various artists taking part which include a whole host of Solomon Islands-based acts.
These include Onetok, Lite Life, Solkisz, Solid T, JAG, Max Lulu, Small Axe, Wally Pazzy, Kekene, Kool Roots, Ramo, Ghemu, Rosie Delma, Jammin, Cottsii and DJ Tanz.
Five acts from Papua New Guinea including Kali-D, Saii Kay, Mereani Masani, Jarahn and J liko are also on the bill.
Tourism Solomons CEO (acting), Dagnal Dereveke, explained that the national tourist office’s ongoing support serves a dual purpose.
“Our primary goal is to help establish locally by generating community interest and support, this support helping to ensure similar events form part of an annual calendar of festivals and events for the Solomon islands,” he said.
“Once they are well-established, there is an opportunity to further promote them in international markets to attract overseas visitors and particularly with our Melanesian neighbours who are currently our fastest-growing source of international visitation.”
Pictured, members of the Tourism Solomons team with several of the PNG artists taking part in the festival including, from right, Jarahn, Kali D, J Liko, Mereani Masani and Saii Kay.