Samarai Murua District in Milne Bay province will be hosting a Music, Song and Dance Festival later this month.

The Festival was officially launched by Samarai Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard in Port Moresby last week.

The Music, Song and Dance festival is aimed at promoting culture and tourism in the District.

The Samarai Murua MP, who is also the Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, said preparations are underway, at the District headquarters on Misima Island.

“It is a way forward to promoting our tourism programs, and at the same time give recognition to our culture, ourselves and our identity,” the local MP said.

The MP further added that Samarai Murua is a culturally diverse District, and this is an opportunity for the people to unite, showcase and express their identity through music, song and dance.

National Cultural Commission Executive Director Steven Kilanda who was there at the Launching presented K10 000 to support this festival.

He said festivals are an important tool, to preserve culture.

“We appeal to Provincial governments and district development authorities to partner with us, so that we host festivals to keep our culture alive” Kilanda said.

The Samarai Murua Music, Song and Dance Festival will see various singsing groups, string band groups, choir groups and dance groups from the district all gathered to showcase their culture and expose their talents.

They are also inviting experience groups from outside to participate in the festival.