Police and organizers of the 2026 Central Music, Arts, and Culture Festival have assured the public that comprehensive security measures will be in place to ensure a safe, peaceful and successful three-day event in Bereina, Kairuku District from September 11th to the 13th, 2026.

At a recent media conference, Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle reassured that police would maintain a high-visibility security presence throughout the festival to protect showgoers, performers, families, and visitors.

He said mobile command posts would be established within the inner perimeter of the festival grounds and along the outer boundary to support police operations and respond quickly to any incidents.

Police units would also conduct continuous road and vehicle checks along access routes to Bereina, including screening and impounding un-roadworthy vehicles to improve the safety of public transport and families travelling to the festival.

Police will also take action against prohibited and dangerous behaviour, with officers tasked to remove intoxicated individuals from the festival area and confiscate dangerous weapons and illicit substances.

Chief Inspector Salle stressed that the security measures were intended to ensure the public could access and enjoy the festival without fear or disruption.

He also issued a strong warning to individuals who may attempt to bring personal disputes or local conflicts to the festival.

“This festival is a celebration of our culture, community, and creative talent. It is not a forum for settling personal grievances.”

He said intimidation, violence and disorder would not be tolerated, warning that anyone who breached the law or attempted to disrupt the peace would face immediate police action, including arrest and charges.

Chief Inspector Salle called on community leaders, youths, and visitors to cooperate with police officers deployed during the festival and to celebrate responsibly.

Meanwhile, Deputy Provincial Administrator for Social Services and Chairman of the Central Music, Arts, and Culture Festival Phillip Alu, said the event would provide an important platform for Central Province to showcase its rich cultural heritage, talent, and unity.

He said the festival would bring together singers, dancers, artisans, families and communities from across Central Province for three days of cultural celebration in Kairuku District.

In addition, he acknowledged the amount of planning and cooperation required to stage an event of such scale, stating that security and peace were fundamental to its success.

Mr. Alu thanked Chief Inspector Salle and the men and women of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary for working closely with the Central Provincial Government and Administration to ensure the festival would be conducted in a safe environment.

He said a secure festival would allow families to attend without fear, give young performers confidence and enable elders to celebrate and pass on cultural traditions peacefully.

Moreover, Mr. Alu highlighted the economic benefits of a peaceful festival, saying the event would create opportunities for local vendors, small businesses, tourism operators and young artists.

He said culture had the power to bring communities together and strengthen unity across the province.

“Law and order is not just the responsibility of the police, it is a shared civic duty.”

He urged everyone attending the festival to respect one another and demonstrate the hospitality, cultural pride and peaceful spirit of Central Province.