Nadi is gearing up for a significant influx of music enthusiasts as UB40’s highly anticipated Big Love Tour arrives at Prince Charles Park on January 30. This event is part of the band’s 12-country world tour and marks Nadi’s third-largest musical gathering in three years, showcasing the town’s growing acclaim as a destination for international music festivals.
Muni Gopal Reddy, CEO of the Nadi Town Council, announced that the concert venue has been successfully handed over to the event organizers, with preparations for the stage and amenities underway. Ensuring the safety and security of attendees is a top priority, with police dispatched to areas identified as potential concerns around the venue. Reddy expressed confidence in the council’s capacity to host large-scale events, stating, “Each year, we learn and improve on the services for big events like this. We look forward to another successful concert.”
To accommodate the influx of concert-goers, open spaces near the park will be available for parking, and the council is coordinating with the Fiji Roads Authority to ensure safe access to the location.
Local acts such as Ouvacast and Paradise Roots are set to kick off the event, with the notable New Zealand reggae band Katchafire rounding out the lineup. Lead singer Nicky Beddoes of Ouvacast emphasized the importance of their role as opening act, indicating a desire to make a strong first impression. She remarked on the significance of UB40’s return to Fiji after more than a decade, highlighting the excitement of performing alongside a band that has been an inspiration to many local musicians.
With the legendary reggae group making a much-anticipated comeback, the concert promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, celebrating both the music and the community spirit that such events foster. This revitalization of Nadi’s music scene heralds a positive outlook for the future of cultural events in the region, further establishing its place on the international music map.