Mask festival ends on a high

 THE 19th National Mask Festival in Kokopo, East New Britain, ended on a high note yesterday.

The festival was staged simultaneously in West New Britain.

The festival in Kokopo was sponsored by corporate houses in the province, while the National Cultural Commission sponsored it in West New Britain.

This year saw Digicel claiming the naming right to the National Mask Festival and the Warwagira show in Kokopo.

Kokopo organising committee deputy chairman Mellie Paivu said yesterday the Mask Festival had ended on a high note.

 “I am pleased with the turnout of the Mask Festival this year, we managed to bring all the dancers from the inland out to the town area on time and I am pleased we did not keep the people waiting,” he said.

Paivu said all cultural groups cooperated this year because transport and other resources were provided.

He thanked the mask groups and corporate sponsors for putting on a great show.

Cultural groups came from East and West New Britain, New Ireland, Morobe and Eastern Highlands.