Fiji Sun

Hibiscus Festival on hold for the second year

- SHALVEEN CHAND SUVA Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrol­a Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj

The plan to reboot the Hibiscus Festival has been shifted by yet another year, but this time due to the impacts of the global pandemic.

Suva and Lami special administra­tor Isikeli Tikoduadua said after much discussion with stakeholde­rs it was decided not to hold the event this year.

The Hibiscus festival did not take place in 2019. A separate committee from the previous body was set up but a venue could not be confirmed.

It was then announced that the Hibiscus Festival would be held in 2020 along the same time as the 50th celebratio­ns of Independen­ce.

“We were looking forward to the Hibiscus this year. Everything was set in motion but we have come to realise that the large economic impact may not allow us to have a feasible event this year,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

It has been establishe­d that on October 10, 2020, Thurston Garden will be the venue for a food and music event.

“Our focus now is getting the city of Suva ready for the Independen­ce Day celebratio­ns. We will carry out renovation­s and beautifica­tion projects soon.”

Meanwhile talks are underway for Albert Park to be the main venue for the October Independen­ce celebratio­ns.

It has been establishe­d that on October 10, 2020, Thurston Garden will be the venue for a food and music event.

With the Suva annual Hibiscus festival ruled out this year, citizens of Suva will again without the festival for two consecutiv­e years.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Fiji