Looking for an adventure, then grab your partner or bestie or even a group of friends and head down to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) for the 2018 Rupununi Music and Arts Festival – a weekend of art, craft, culture and camping which kicks off on February 16 until the 18.
This year’s festival is the third edition and will be held at the Manari Ranch near Lethem with fun packed adventures throughout. Over the festival weekend, the 
days will feature exciting adventures, while the nights will be filled with fun camping activities, including cultural programmes all aimed at community building and encouraging social cohesion at the highest levels.
Among the day time activities are: early morning yoga sessions; group meditation, keep fit, zumba, capoeira. Additionally, there will also be workshops on jewellery making, music, dance, art, wood carving, etc.
Visitors will get the opportunity to go on guided tours through the Savannah, to nearby waterfalls and other sites. They can also enjoy outdoors adventures such as bird watching, fishing, biking and hikes.
The St Stanislaus College Scout Group will be present on site, to lend to the ‘camping spirit’ by building a Monkey Bridge which can be traversed by festival goers.
The weekend also offers ‘a window’ into the rich variety of world music for everyone which will be on full display after the sun sets. Night time fun will begin with many cultural presentations from both local and overseas artistes.
Among the line-up of local performers are Creole Rock, Feed The Flames, Jazz and Poetry Ona Stool, Trevaun Selman, Nachgana Dancers, Surama Cultural Group and more are to be added – an announcement will be made in the coming weeks. Additionally, there will also be performances by our neighbouring artistes from Brazil and Suriname.
At the end of every night, there will be a huge campfire where visitors will gather to singing songs, recite stories and just enjoy each other’s company.
The packages for the third edition of the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival are in two categories and the prices vary on the number of persons.
For those walking with their own camping tents, the packages are: one person – $6000; two persons – $11,000; three persons – $15,000; four persons – $20,000 and six persons – $27,000.
There are also packages which includes tents and the cost for those are: one person – $9000; two persons – $17,000; three persons – $25,500; four persons – $27,000 and six persons – $36,000.
More information can be found on the festival’s official website: www.rupununifestival.com Also check out their facebook page for updates on the festival including ticket locations as well as for specials on packages.
