Tonight, the popular Rarotonga Schools Culture Festival kicks off at Te Are Karioi Nui/National Auditorium at 6pm.

Held every two years, this major cultural event where schools around Rarotonga showcase their culture through performances like kapa rima, ura pau, ute and pe’e, usually draws a strong audience.

With most schools’ tickets sold out, if you’d like to purchase one, arrive at Te Karioi Nui before 6pm. Only 300 tickets will be available at the door.

At 6pm tonight, Apii Papaaroa will sing the opening hymn followed by the opening prayer by Orometua Une Ngametua.

Speakers on the night are Maara Scheel, chairlady of the Rarotonga Schools Cultural Festival Committee, who will deliver the welcoming address, followed by the Minister of Te Maraurau o te Pae Api'i/Ministry for Education Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa, who will declare the event open.

Tonight’s order of appearance on stage is as follows. First half – Apii St. Joseph’s, Apii Rutaki, Apii Avarua. Intermission (20 minutes), Apii Arorangi, Apii Nukutere, Apii Titikaveka, 8:30pm closing prayer by Papa Orometua Une Ngametua.

The order of appearance on stage for the second night tomorrow: First half - Apii Imanuela Akatemia, Apii Takitumu, Apii Te Uki Ou. Intermission (20 minutes), Apii Nikao, Apii Tereora.