The Hikka Fest 2011 is almost here and Janaka Nanayakkara, member of the organizing committee, says that the directors are really focussed on quality of service this time.
This is the fourth year running for the festival, and organizers have worked to fix minor hiccups they encountered over the last three years. Special provisions for festival participants include guest accommodation support as well as the Rotti Festival. “All restaurants are going to be open and running despite the fact that it’s off season,” Janaka enthuses, describing how “everyone” is coming together to make the festival truly a “Hikkaduwa thing”.
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| Some of the drummers getting ready for the festival |
“The best thing about the festival is that it’s bringing people from different areas of life together around one table,” shares Chamindra Goonewardene, festival director. Janaka adds that special events such as the Kite Festival, Sandcastle Competition and the sports events (volleyball, football and rugby games) focus on bringing people from all walks together for fun on the sand. “We’re also trying to boost the off-season market for the many craft products unique to Hikkaduwa,” he adds.
The organizers are hoping to make the festival the groundwork for a longer-term plan for the development of the Hikkaduwa area. “Hikkaduwa was the first Sri Lankan tourist destination,” Chamindra explains, “and we want to bring that back. Everything that’s now hot in Colombo, from the nightclubs to the rottis was begun here.”
The Hikka fest kicks off on July 29 and continues till July 31. Head down to Hikka for the original experience of sun, sand, good food and the hypnotic vibes of international disc stars such as Yves Larock (Rise Up) and our own hit-makers including Shiyam as well as electrifying acts from local musicians including The Hikkaduwa Drummers and Thriloka.
For more details log onto www.hikka2011.com.
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