The highly anticipated Likoma Island Festival started on Saturday with a message of unity as thousands gathered to witness the event.
The three-day event started with a parade by security establishments such as the police and immigration officers from the district’s airport to the community hall.
Thereafter, the audience was entertained to traditional dances such as chioda, malipenga, chilimika and makhanya .
However, some artists that will perform at the event include Pop Young, Lulu and Mathumela Band, Sangie and Kaka Kanthu Kalinda.
The festival’s public relations manager Patrick Ulere Chikoti said they organised the event to promote Likoma’s cultural heritage and that of its sister Chizumulu Island.
“We want to ensure that we preserve the cultural heritage of the two islands. Likoma and Chizumulu islands have cultural sites that can attract tourists and bring forex to the country,” he said.
Chikoti said they last held the event in 2018.
He said: “Subsequent editions failed due to financial challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic.
“But we have now taken a different approach so that such challenges are minimised.”
Lulu promised patrons the best of entertainment.
On his part, Pop Young said he was ready for the event.
“I urge my fellow youths to patronose the event because it will be one of the best,” he said .
The festival’s theme is ‘Creating a tourism hub in Lake Malawi using environmental friendly model for investment’.
