The Amazing Port Moresby Street Festival combined with the NCD SME Vendor’s Market continued to display a variety of festivities and attractions for city residents to enjoy at Ela Beach this week leading up to the 46th Independence celebrations.
It commenced on Sunday, September 12th and continued through September 16th.
Surrounded by vendors selling an array of goods from fresh produce, to homemade soaps, to dresses and crafts, the Amazing Port Moresby Street Festival continued to entertain and amaze onlookers.
The vision of the Amazing Port Moresby Independence Festival combined with the NCD SME centre’s had an objective to display Port Moresby as a safe, healthy and united city that celebrates the many different ethnicities, tribes, languages and cultures represented in the city and in throughout Papua New Guinea as a whole.
This vision comes to life daily through the varied display of goods, talents and smiling attendees.
One of the objectives is to support the growing micro-economy that is in Port Moresby.
This event has accomplished this objective by providing a platform for performing artists and over 250 market vendors simultaneously.
The up and coming artists staged at the Amazing Port Moresby Festival are professionals in their own right.
About 6 artists and/groups have performed every evening during the Street Festival. Many of whom could easily perform around the country but perhaps are not widely known as of yet.
The Amazing Port Moresby Street Festival in this way, are expanding the brand awareness of these artists through the evening shows and through Social Media.
While the artists perform onstage, lining the streets colourfully are the SME market vendors.
On the first day of the event more than 178 vendors participated. On the second day, as word continued to spread throughout the city the space housed more than 250 vendors.
In addition to city vendors, there are several from the Western Highlands Province with fresh fruits and vegetables. In the lead up to Independence, these vendors have undergone training prior to the event to ensure the quality of their goods and services.
What makes this section of the event successful is that vendors continue to report that they are earning money daily to support their living.
Day two and three showcased an array of musicians, singers, dancers, both traditional and modern alike, magicians and comedians along with guest performer and contortionist Naomi, all the way from Kimbe.
There was also a large bouncy castle for the children and face painting all at no cost to the attendees.
The Independence Festival attracted lots of people, expat communities, families, MP’s, public servants including those who have somewhere to go to after work.
The expectation was fulfilled on Independence Day 16th September, with the place packed to capacity.
“We encouraged everyone to visit the stalls, purchase your favourite t-shirt, fruit or homemade craft item.”
“Then find your way over to the performance area, where you can enjoy the entertainment.”
There was so much happening at Ela Beach to celebrate Independence.
“Happy Independence everyone and hope you and families enjoyed the festivities.”