BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The organising committee for the National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) 2026 has acknowledged support from VFresh Water Beverage Company and Solomon Rice Company Limited (Solrais) as preparations continue for the festival next month.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) said VFresh donated 50 cartons of distilled drinking water on June 19, while Solrais handed over 25 bags of rice products to the committee on June 22.
The donations will help provide food and water supplies for provincial panpipe groups travelling to Honiara to take part in the festival.
The NATPAN Committee thanks both companies for their contributions, saying the support will assist in the successful delivery of the event.
The committee also expressed hope for continued partnerships with VFresh and Solrais as the ministry plans to continue hosting the NATPAN and IUMI Wan festivals on a biannual basis.
Other sponsors have also contributed to the festival in recent weeks. SolTuna donated 15 cartons of tuna products, while Sasa Water Company provided 10 cartons of distilled water.
The committee said it remains grateful for the support received so far and welcomes further contributions from corporate sponsors.
The National Panpipe Festival 2026 will be held at the National Museum and National Art Gallery from July 1 to 5.
The festival, now in its third edition, was previously held in 2017 and 2019 before being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and preparations for the Pacific Games 2023.
This year’s event will feature panpipe performances, traditional dance presentations and a symposium on panpipe music.
With the festival set to begin next week, the NATPAN Committee invites the public to join to celebrate the rich panpipe heritage of the Solomon Islands.
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