It was a spectacular closing to the Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday 16 September with the PNG50 Concert, the highlight of the day’s events of celebrations in Port Moresby city. The public were treated to concert performances from artist showcasing the evolution of local music marking the decades leading up to the present. Artists like George Telek MBE, the Rex band, Samguma band, Tambaran Culture, Pati Pots and more graced the stage. The laser and light show were also a sight to behold lighting up the night sky with their magnificent colours. The evening was topped off with a spectacular sky show of fireworks and displays with the use of drones to portray the stories of the ancient trades, and the story of PNG’s progress towards achieving independence, all displayed by drones with lights and flames, programed to create amazing formations in the sky. But perhaps the main highlight of the evening that took place was the 50th Independence Anniversary Message from King Charles III, who had his message recorded and played at the event for all Papua New Guineans to hear, with some parts of his message spoken in Tok Pisin. The King recalled witnessing the raising of the PNG flag on Independence Hill in Port Moresby city for the first time on September 16th, 1975, saying it was a moment of pride and joy for the people of Papua New Guinea as the country gained political independence. King Charles III said the celebration of PNG’s Golden Jubilee is also a time to look back on the challenges and the achievements the country has made in the last 50 years, as an independent and democratic country. “Though the journey has not always been an easy one, modern Papua New Guinea stands as a proud symbol of its citizens perseverance, resilience and commitment to democracy and unity,” said the King. “Together you have made great strides and advances in development in public health, infrastructure and diplomacy. “As a mature and an established voice in the pacific and on the word stage, I am immensely proud. Papua New Guinea is such a deeply valued and respected member of our commonwealth realm." The King also apologized for not attending in person but said he and his family are celebrating PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary in the United Kingdom. He said he instead sent his brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, to represent him at the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. Meanwhile, the PNG50 Concert continued into the night with performances from the big-name local artists like Tarvin Touni, Sprigga Mek and Mereani Masani, rocking the night away celebrating PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary.