Bwagaoia Station on Misima Island in the Milne Bay Province will play host to the Samarai Murua Island Song, Music & Dance Festival at the end of this month of April, 2023. This was announced by the Samarai Murua Minister & Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture Isi Henry Leonard at the launching of the event at the Grand Palace Restaurant in Port Moresby recently. “The launch of this festival maybe small but it is significant as it is a way forward to promoting our tourism programs and at the same time giving recognition to our culture, ourselves and our identity by packaging it and using it to promote tourism,” Minister Leonard said. This Minister reiterated that song, music and dance were universal across the globe and could be used to promote tourism in the country. He added that the islands in his district were all diverse in language and culture and this platform was an opportunity for the participants to showcase and express their identity. “I believe through this festival we will unite our people, to express themselves and celebrate our culture and identity through music, song and dance,” Minister Leonard said. The National Cultural Commission through Executive Director Mr. Steven Kilanda, has come onboard with K10, 000 to support this important festival that is expected to promote tourism in the Province. “I thank Mr. Kilanda and NCC for this funding and I will also call on the Milne Bay Governor for further support for this event.” The Chairman of the Festival, Dennies Keio, was on hand to the launching of the event and to receive the cheque from the NCC. The event is expected to attract an estimated 60 performing groups within Louisiade LLG, including a string band from the Bwanabwana LLG, as well as two bands and a dance group from Port Moresby set to participate and entertain the locals showcasing a diverse approach to the festival.