THE inaugural of Akuila Talasasa Festival of Arts (ATFA) to take place in Gizo, Western province has been further delayed and now postponed to July for compassionate reasons.
The event was supposed to kick off this week but has been moved to 17th-18th July.
A member of the organising committee Olyvia Randall confirmed the postponement.
“The Tomoko and bamboo band participants from New Georgia requested the postponement on compassionate reasons because they cannot make it to the festival this week because of the death of their religious leader, Sir Ikan Rove of CFC,” Ms Randall said.
She added late Hon Ramuraka Talasasa is the representative for the Talasasa family in this festival.
“They had a very close connection with the deceased and cannot make it to the festival as well because they’re now with late Sir Rove’s family.”
She said the working committee together with the provincial minister of tourism Chris Mesepitu have decided that the request is genuine.
“The organising committee will try and get more artists on board festival event to take place in July.”
The festival is named after late Hon Talasasa, who was heavily involved in supporting local arts and culture throughout the province.
By TRIXIE CARTER
