Locals organized spectacular Independence Celebration

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, September 27, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

 

WITH much debate during this year’s 2015 Pacific Games surrounding both opening and closing ceremonies. Last week’s main Independence celebrations hosted at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby was prepared by a team of local professional concert organizing volunteers.

The concert proved the arguments of critics on the ability of local organizers to host major events in the nation’s capital.

Queries sent to the local organizers, who did not wish to be named, that have vast experiences in hosting international artist concerts in the city revealed that they had a point to prove on the ability of local production companies to bring the main attractions that were display on September 16 last week.

The stadium concert produced many firsts for in the country from having the national flag parachuted at its highest point into the stadium arena, to an airshow from highflying aviators with their vintage flying warplanes, and perhaps one of the longest fireworks show in the country that lasted well past 20 minutes.

Not forgetting one of the biggest open air concert when Danish Pop/Rock group Micheal Learns to Rock took the stage.

When asked if the event and that of the pacific games concerts would open the door to more shows in the new sporting venues and arenas the capital city has to offer- the organizers were optimistic and positive. With one confirming that as with every large spaced event it will always be a mammoth task, but an achievable one nonetheless.

“If you get the entertainer at the right price then yes that can be a successful venture,” an organizer said.

“Hiring equipment such stage, lights and sound to cover such a large area can be a very expensive exercise.

"The hire of the venue is also expensive. All these factors could work against bringing entertainers at larger venues as the stadiums you have mentioned.”

Having said that also, the same organizers have secured the same venue for another large concert booked for January 2016 where world known reggae group UB40 will perform at the Sir John Guise stadium.

“That would be a good exercise and I hope we get some good results out of it,” he said.

With National Sports Trust Limited looking at strategic ways to maintain all world-class facilities built in the city, the entertainment industry will sure bring in revenues to maintain venues in between various sporting calendar events.