Solomon Islands prepares to host Melanesian Arts Festival

The Solomon Islands is gearing up to welcome up to 800 delegates for a major event on the cultural calendar for the Pacific.

The Melanesian Arts Festival begins in Honiara this Sunday.

The Solomon Islands head for Culture and Tourism Andrew Nihopara has also welcomed news from New Caledonia's Government that they will provide more than one tonne of fireworks, the sound system and lighting equipment for the festival.

Nihopara says the help from New Caledonia provides relief for the host country's limited budget.

New Caledonia's delegation to the Solomon Islands will be joining teams from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Fiji for the week-long event.