Minister of Sports and Culture Grace Chiumia said the Blantyre Arts Festival, which will be held from 2 to 4 October, was important in the promotion of arts, culture and tourism.

“I would like to say that the Blantyre Arts Festival is a big event which can help in the promotion of arts and culture,” Chiumia said.

She pledged to do everything possible to ensure that the Blantyre Cultural Centre is restored to its old glory having been dilapidated it was handed over to government.

“It should start with the renovations of the centre which is in pathetic state. And I would like assure you that as long as I would request the government to do something about the renovations of the centre.”

The minister has also commended school children for turning out for the opening of the show.

Blantyre City Council Mayor Council Noel Chalamanda has also appealed to individuals and corporate world to support the event.

Chalamanda, who admitted that the city failed to render it support this year, would sign a memorandum of understanding of organisers of the event in a bid to raise its promotion.

“I would like to say that Blantyre Arts Festival is important in the promotion of arts and tourism not only for Blantyre but also for the whole Malawi,” Chalamanda said.

The festival started with a street parade from Blantyre Old Town Hall to Civic Centre followed by a poetry, performance activities, school students such as Jacaranda, St Patricks High School Chichiri among others.

The festival will reach its pinnacle on Saturday when South Africa’s gospel songstress Rabecca Malopa who will perform at 20:30 hours GMT after another South African musician Nonkhululeko Khomalo, local artists Ethel Kamwendo, Thoko Katimba, Patience Namadingo, Khuzi Lampi.