The 2016 Vodafone Hibiscus will take place at Vodafone Arena in Suva from August 12 to 20.

This was announced by Vodafone Fiji Limited and Fiji Sports Council yesterday.

Vodafone Fiji Limited acting chief executive officer Divik Deo said: “We are pleased to announce that this year, we have secured the Vodafone Arena and the surrounding car park for the hosting of the Hibiscus Festival.

“The Laucala Bay area with University of the South Pacific (USP), Damodar City, National Sport Complex and an influx of people frequenting the area is a highly convenient location for the festival.

“We hope the new venue will provide a new look and feel to the festival.”

Mr Deo said 2016 marked the 60th anniversary of the festival.

“Many have suggested that where there is drought in the West or North, we should take the festival there which is sure to bring rain. Now that is yet to be tested,” he said.

“With last year’s rain and mud slush at the FDB foreshore fresh in our minds, we do not want the 2016 Vodafone Festival to be a wash.”

Mr Deo said they would like to celebrate the Vodafone Hibiscus in a special way given its 60th anniversary.

Fiji Sports Council chief executive officer Litiana Loabuka said: “We are excited and wait in anticipation for the festival to get underway.

Hibiscus Events Group executive chairman Hirdesh Prasad said he was happy with the new venue and looked forward to festival.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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