Thousands flock to Nadi

More than 1600 music fans from across the world were in Nadi for the Homecoming Festival 2025.

The music festival at King Charles Park featured international stars, with headliner artists like Spawnbreezie, Maoli, and Common Kings. 

A few local bands are part of the three-day festivities that concluded last night.

Held in honour of the late George “Fiji” Veikoso - a pioneer voices of island reggae more than 30 years ago - the turnout believed to be far reaching that its inaugural event last year.

The economic returns of an event of such magnitude is yet untold, as Nadi and Lautoka hotels and AirBNB properties were fully booked.

Flights into Fiji were also fully booked.

Taxis and transport companies operated at full capacity, while cafés and eateries enjoyed a record demand.

Turnout at the second Homecoming Festival in Nadi last weekend appeared to outnumber the previous festivities.

Photo: Waisea Nasokia

“For those not in Nadi, the vibe is unmistakable, and the thousands who are here for the event have already been making use of all the burning West has to offer,” said Tourism Fiji acting chief executive officer Robert Thompson. 

Rosie Group managing director Tony Whitton said it was his dream to see the first Homecoming Festival staged in Fiji last year.

“Today we continue to build on that vision.

Rosie Events team and Rosie Holidays who worked closely with the late Veikoso and his crew to deliver world-class transport logistics, he said.

Taxi driver Janend Ram of Yako said is also enjoying the spoils of the three-day festivities.

“It’s a great time for business in the Jet Set town,” Mr Ram said.

“Good income, good time, and credit goes to the organiser.”