Calabar Festival Unveils Digital Voting, Streaming Plans For 2026

• Calabar Festival will introduce digital streaming and online voting to expand public participation.

• Nigerians and Africans will be encouraged to register with carnival bands and pre-marching clubs and vote for their preferred performances.

• Organisers are working to restore the festival’s international segment and strengthen collaboration and funding for tourism.

September 24, () – 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.

Speaking at Akwaaba Travel Market, the Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Chief Gabe Onah, said the initiative would enable Nigerians and Africans to register with carnival bands and pre-marching clubs, while also voting for their preferred performances.

Onah said the digital voting system would complement the existing judging process, which considers the artistic and technical elements of the carnival, including the floats and performances.

Several festival activities, including the choir competition and bikers’ displays, will also be opened to greater public participation through the digital platform.

He said the organisers were working to restore the international segment of the festival, stressing the importance of maintaining Calabar’s global appeal.

He described the relationship between Calabar Festival and Akwaaba as an opportunity for tourism stakeholders to share ideas, review trends and learn from one another.

According to him, greater collaboration rather than competition is needed across the tourism sector, as destinations face similar challenges and opportunities.

Onah also called for stronger funding for tourism through government support, private-sector investment and crowdfunding, saying the sector needs sustainable funding models.

He 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.

Onah described Prince Ekpenyong 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.

He said more details about this year’s festival, including the headline act, would be unveiled later.