Performers from across the South Pacific will be converging on Efate, Vanuatu next month to take part in Vanuatu’s largest free event, Fest’Napuan. This contemporary music festival is set to appeal to Aussie travellers and music enthusiasts who are eager to learn more about the traditions and influences of contemporary music across the Pacific.

While Vanuatu’s culture and rich customs are already popular with Aussie travellers, Fest’Napuan offers a unique opportunity for Australian attendees to mingle with locals, while enjoying some of the best indigenous music acts in the Pacific.

The 14th annual Fest’Napuan will take place at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre in Port Vila from 10-12 November 2011. Fest’Napuan focuses on contemporary music and runs alongside two supporting musical festivals, Fest’Nalenga and Zion Fest, which focus on uniquely Vanuatu string band music, and gospel and religious music respectively.

Together these three events provide attendees with an exceptional week-long musical concert. This year’s festival will include acts from Australia, New Zealand, and Soloman Islands alongside local Vanuatu musical groups such as Nawarake, Life Cific Sound and Naio.

Since its inception, Fest’Napuan has grown in both popularity and scope. Since 2008 ABC’s Radio Australia has also run its annual Pacific Break competition, looking for the best unsigned band in the South Pacific region to play at Fest’Napuan, with previous winners including Ill Kings, 26 Roots, and Devande.

Linda Kalpoi, General Manager, Vanuatu Tourism Office, believes the festival provides a rare opportunity to experience musical performances from around the Pacific and be immersed in ni-Vanuatu culture.

“Fest’Napuan exposes travellers to musical groups and performances they’d otherwise never get the chance to experience. It is an exciting festival and is an opportunity for visitors to really engage with ni-Vanuatu lifestyle and culture.”

“Visitors wanting to learn even more can also try one of the many cultural tours on Efate or travel to one of Vanuatu’s outer islands for a taste of island life. Taking a trip to an outer island such as Tanna or Malekula really allows visitors to experience our traditional island lifestyle and rich culture first hand,” said Kalpoi.

Event Information:
What:                   Fest’Napuan Music Festival
Where:                 Saralana Stage, next to Vanuatu Cultural Centre, Port Vila, Efate
When:                  09 November - Fest’Nalenga (Local string band)
                           10-12 November - Fest’Napuan (Contemporary music)
                           13 November - Zion Fest (Gospel)
To learn more about Fest'Napuan visit www.festnapuan.org