After two years of silence, Central Province has officially launched its 2026 flagship cultural celebration, announcing that its annual music festival has been expanded and rebranded as the Central Music, Arts and Cultural Festival.
Central Governor Rufina Peter said the festival would be held from 11–13th September 2026 at Bereina Station in Kairuku District, marking a new chapter for one of the province's premier annual events.
Governor Peter said the festival's expanded scope reflects the province's commitment to promoting not only music, but also arts, culture, tourism and economic development.
"Music will continue to be the heartbeat of the festival, but we are now expanding the event to celebrate our visual arts, traditional crafts, cultural heritage and the entrepreneurial spirit of Central Province," she said.
The festival was first staged in Kwikila, Rigo District, in 2024, attracting more than 25,000 people over three days.
According to the Governor, the event exceeded expectations by boosting local businesses, tourism, and community participation while remaining free from major security incidents.
Building on that success, this year's event will feature cultural dance groups, string bands, gospel and folk performers alongside some of PNG’s best-known contemporary musicians.
The final entertainment lineup will be confirmed by the Central Music Association in the lead-up to the festival.
Governor Peter said the event would also provide opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), farmers, fishermen, artisans, women's groups and youth entrepreneurs to exhibit and sell locally made products.
The Central Provincial Administration will showcase key industries including cocoa, coconut, fisheries, livestock and other agricultural products, highlighting the province's economic potential.
"Our vision is to make this festival more than an entertainment event," Governor Peter said.
"We want it to become a platform that promotes tourism, creates economic opportunities, supports local businesses, empowers our young people and preserves the rich cultural identity of Central Province."
Bereina was selected as the host venue because of its rich cultural heritage, strategic location along the Hiritano Highway, and its potential to attract visitors from Port Moresby and neighbouring provinces.
The Governor said security remained a top priority, with the Central Provincial Government working alongside police, health authorities and emergency services to ensure the safety of festival-goers. Security personnel will also be deployed along the Hiritano Highway and throughout the festival grounds.
Governor Peter concluded by inviting Papua New Guineans from across the country to attend the three-day celebration.
"Come for the music, come for the arts, come for the culture, come and support local businesses and celebrate the Central Way," she said.
