The Calabar Festival is set to introduce digital streaming and online voting as part of efforts to expand public participation and give audiences a greater role in this year’s carnival. This move aims to encourage Nigerians and Africans to register with carnival bands and pre-marching clubs and vote for their preferred performances. The initiative is expected to enhance the overall experience of the festival.
According to Chief Gabe Onah, the Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, the digital voting system will complement the existing judging process, which considers the artistic and technical elements of the carnival, including the floats and performances. The digital platform will also open up several festival activities, including the choir competition and bikers’ displays, to greater public participation.
Organisers of the Calabar Festival are working to restore the international segment of the festival, stressing the importance of maintaining Calabar’s global appeal. This move is expected to attract more international participants and spectators, thereby boosting the festival’s reputation and economic impact.
Onah highlighted the importance of collaboration in the tourism sector, describing the relationship between Calabar Festival and Akwaaba as an opportunity for tourism stakeholders to share ideas, review trends and learn from one another. He emphasised that greater collaboration rather than competition is needed across the tourism sector, as destinations face similar challenges and opportunities.
The Executive Chairman also called for stronger funding for tourism through government support, private-sector investment and crowdfunding, saying the sector needs sustainable funding models. This call for increased funding is expected to help address the challenges faced by the tourism sector and ensure the long-term success of the Calabar Festival.
Onah paid tribute to Prince Ekpenyong, the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, who died in June 2026. Prince Ekpenyong was described as a brother, friend and colleague who contributed to the growth of tourism and the Calabar Festival, particularly through his support for cultural presentation and tourism media.
More details about this year’s festival, including the headline act, are expected to be unveiled later. The introduction of digital streaming and online voting is expected to enhance the overall experience of the Calabar Festival and make it more engaging for participants and spectators alike.
Key points
- The Calabar Festival will introduce digital streaming and online voting to expand public participation.
- Organisers are working to restore the international segment of the festival.
- Stronger funding for tourism is needed through government support, private-sector investment and crowdfunding.
