05/08/2026
Wednesday 05 August, 2026
CENTRAL MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS AS CMACF 2026
APPROVED FOR RELEASE
PORT MORESBY— Central Province Governor Rufina Peter has officially unveiled a bold new chapter for its flagship cultural event, announcing the return of the Central Music Festival under its new name, the Central Music Arts and Cultural Festival (CMACF).
Launching the festival at Crown Hotel this morning, Central Governor Hon. Rufina Peter, MP, said the rebranding reflects a broader vision that goes beyond music to celebrate Central Province's arts, culture, tourism, entrepreneurship and economic potential.
"The festival is back with a bigger vision, broader opportunities and a renewed purpose. Music remains the heartbeat of this event, but we are also celebrating our arts, culture, traditions and the creativity of our people." Governor Peter said.
The Governor announced that the 2026 Central Music Arts and Cultural Festival will be held in Bereina, Kairuku District, from Friday 11, Saturday 12, and Sunday 13 September 2026.
She said Kairuku was chosen because of its rich cultural heritage, welcoming communities and strategic location along the Hiritano Highway, providing an ideal setting to showcase another part of Central Province.
A major addition this year is the inclusion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and commodity displays, allowing local artisans, farmers, fisheries, women's groups and entrepreneurs to exhibit and market products from across the province.
"This festival is not simply about entertainment. It is about creating economic opportunities, supporting local businesses, empowering our youth and preserving our culture." she said.
As Patron of the Central Music Association (CMA), Governor Peter also announced the appointment of music legend and former Deejays Band member Dika Dai as the Association's new President for the next two years.
She thanked outgoing President Allan Kadea for his outstanding contribution to developing music in Central Province and Papua New Guinea and wished him well in his future endeavours.
The Governor said this year's entertainment program will feature cultural dance groups, string bands, gospel artists, school talent groups and leading Central musicians, and other popular performers, with the full lineup to be confirmed by the new CMA executive.
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural festival at Kwikila in 2024, Governor Peter said more than 25,000 people attended over three days without any reports of harassment, pickpocketing, lost children, drunken behaviour or petty crime.
"That is the Central Way, and I know the people of Bereina will continue to uphold those values as they welcome visitors from across Papua New Guinea."
Governor Peter assured the public that police, emergency services and medical teams would be deployed throughout the festival and along the Hiritano Highway to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.
Earlier, Acting Provincial Administrator Magini Raga welcomed invited guests and reaffirmed the Central Provincial Administration's commitment to delivering a well-organised festival.
"CMACF is now more than a music festival. It is a platform to celebrate our culture, promote tourism, support local businesses and create economic opportunities for our people." Mr Raga said.
Governor Peter concluded by inviting Papua New Guineans to experience the best of Central Province.
"Come for the music, come for the arts, come for our culture and experience the hospitality of Bereina. Together, let us celebrate the Central Way."
The Central Music Arts and Cultural Festival 2026 will take place in Bereina, Kairuku District, from Friday 11–Sunday 13 September 2026, bringing together music, culture, arts, SMEs and tourism in what organisers expect to be the province's biggest festival yet.
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Photo (L–R): Dika Dai, President of the Central Music Association (CMA); Anna Skate SME Consultant; Philip Alu, Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator – Social Services and Chairman of the CMACF Organising Committee; Magini Raga Acting Provincial Administrator for Central Province; Edward Kekele President of Mekeo; David Jerram Managing Director of the Central Province Traffic Authority (CPTA); Hon. Rufina Peter Governor for Central Province; the Second Secretary to the Kairuku Open MP Victor Lakea; Terence Rau President of Kairuku; Augustine Yabina Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator – Economic Services and CMACF Organising Committee member; Walis Imbal Provincial Finance Manager; and Allan Kadea Outgoing President of the Central Music Association, following the official media launch of the 2026 Central Music, Arts and Culture Festival at Crown Hotel, The festival will be held in Bereina, Kairuku District, from 11–13 September 2026.