
The builders further assure that the stalls and houses at the festival venues will be completed well in advance of the opening ceremony, on July 19.

It has been revealed that some individuals in Port Vila have already placed deposits to secure these traditional thatched roofs. Reports from the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta confirm that all stalls at Saralana, the National Convention Centre, and the seafront will be equipped with these authentic roofing materials, including the houses representing participating Melanesian countries.īuilders involved in the project say the natangura leaves are of excellent quality and will be made available for sale once the festival concludes. Preparations for the highly-anticipated seventh Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival are in full swing with over 4000 natangura leaves, essential for traditional thatched roofs (above), arriving in Port Vila.

Photo: Hilaire Bule Leaves arrive ahead of Melanesian festival
