Get set for Subios '05 |30 April 2005

Brought forward by five months Subios 2005 kicks off on May 17 and the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) led organisers are putting the final touches to arrangements for the six day celebration.

The decision to move up the event, from its usual October time slot to the new off-season dates in May, was announced during last year's Subios festival.

Speaking at the time the then STMA head, Francis Savy explained that the move was taken because, "May forms part of our low season when more activities can be done from a promotional point of view, and there are more rooms available, so partners are more willing to assist us at that time."

Diving conditions in Seychelles are at their best in May and October.
However, the move forward has slashed the time available to under water film makers and photographers to submit their work, resulting in a drop in the number of entries to the festivals film and picture competitions.

Leading the organisation efforts, Liz Bastienne of the STB's Events and Product Diversification Unit said that the organisers are still hopeful of a rush of last minute competition entries.

Though events start two days before, the official launch of Subios 2005 will be presided over by Vice President and Minister for Tourism Joseph Belmont, at the ICCS on the evening of Thursday, May 19.

This year's festival is being run under the "Preserving Underwater Homes" theme, which organisers are hoping will be reflected in the art and writing competitions for school children.

Following the launch one of the traditional Subios highlights, the public voting for underwater pictures and videos, will get underway at the same venue.

Staging the annual event is likely to cost in the region of R300,000.
Ms Bastienne said that sponsors have so far contributed around R90,000, in addition to prizes, assistance and in-kind donations.

This year the geographical reach of Subios has been expanded, with events taking place on La Digue for the first time.
Ms Bastienne said that the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) will be holding presentations at the island's school to get Diguios youngsters involved in the under water festival.

However, the centre of attention will once again be the Subios Village, situated at the Beau Vallon Regatta field.
"We have tried to make the village livelier," said Ms Bastienne.

In addition to the usual marine-themed stalls the Subios village will also feature a Creole restaurant, while arts organisation Seynac and small business group Senpa are bringing together local artists and craft workers to offer their products for sale.