Lamu Island gears up for major festival

Lamu Island will once again be the host of a unique arts festival slated for February 11 to February 14 as it seeks to cement its reputation as an isle of festivals. The event will also feature the popular Shella Hat festival, which exhibits and promotes different kinds of headgear and paintings.

"This event is aimed at promoting and encouraging artistic endeavour, education and appreciation in Lamu County through traditional visual arts as well as offering local artists an opportunity to exhibit contemporary arts," Herbert Menzer, one of the officials tasked with the organisation of the event, said.

Menzer added their aim was to bring artists from other cities to experience a different retreat while producing a perfect art work through their exhibitions.

Already, five renowned international artist from the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands' have confirmed participation at the event. Menzer said Lamu, being the 'Island of Festivals', is a perfect location for appreciation of art because of its relaxed atmosphere, which acts as an inspiration for artists.

The event, which started five years ago, brings together artists from all over the world through the Lamu Painters Festivals and the Shella Hat contest.

During the painters festival, artists normally paint outdoors scenes at different spots throughout the Lamu Archipelago whereas the Shella Hat contest enables locals to share their crafts skills. "The people of Lamu are very talented with abilities to produce the best art work that will also promote tourism," said Menzer.