Dahui Kalsa Panpipe Group from Makira Province performs during the opening ceremony.
The National Panpipe Festival 2026 officially opens in Honiara.
Honiara, Solomon Islands – 02/07/2026: The National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) 2026 officially opened yesterday at the National Art Gallery in Honiara, marking the start of five days of captivating cultural performances, traditional dances, arts exhibitions, and a symposium on panpipe music.
The festival, which is the third edition of NATPAN brings together more than 20 panpipe groups and traditional dance groups from across the provinces and Honiara. These groups will showcase a variety of traditional panpipe styles, ranging from bamboo music in Western Province to the bamboo orchestra of Tawatana in Makira Province.
Speaking at the official opening, the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage.
This year’s theme, “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles,” reminds every Solomon Islander that each melody carries the voices of our ancestors and the stories of our communities.
“Panpipe music is far more than entertainment; it is a cultural signature of Solomon Islands. When people in the region hear panpipe music, they immediately associate it with the Solomon Islands,” he said.
In this regard, the Minister said it is fitting that a national festival is dedicated to celebrating and preserving this remarkable heritage.
“Our responsibility is not only to admire these traditions, but to protect them and pass them on to future generations,” he said, noting that this is the greatest honour we can give our ancestors by keeping their legacy alive.
“Culture is more than history or entertainment. It defines our identity as Solomon Islanders and is also a valuable national resource.
“When properly protected and promoted, culture strengthens communities, creates employment, supports tourism, inspires creativity, and contributes to sustainable national development.
“One of the best ways to preserve our living heritage is through festivals. They provide opportunities for elders to teach young people and for communities to learn together.
“Our ancestors entrusted these traditions to us, and today that responsibility rests in our hands. We must celebrate, protect, teach, and proudly pass them on to future generations.
“It also creates memorable experiences for visitors and strengthens Solomon Islands’ position as a unique cultural tourism destination,” he said.
The Minister further announced that the National Panpipe Festival is now an official event on the national calendar. Alongside NATPAN, the Umi Wan Festival will also be held on a biannual basis, alternating each year.
The festival runs daily from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm starting today until Sunday 5th July. A panpipe symposium was held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm today with another session same time tomorrow, while the arts exhibition will run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm throughout the event.
Photos///////////////
A Solo Artist Marataman performs a traditional Kwara’ae Flute.
DS Nicola -MNPDC escorted inside exhibition area inside the art gallery.
Hon. James Bonuga-Minister of Culture and Tourism-Presenting a Key Note Address during the official opening of NATPAN at the National Art Gallery Grounds on Wednesday.
Minister Bonuga-greeted by PS Aaron Pitaqae-MWYCFA.
Sirovanga Panpipe group of Choiseul Province.
Solo Artist- Mr Chris Kamu’ana Rohoimae putting on performance during the festival’s opening ceremony on Wednesday.