PREPARATIONS are in progress for the Vodafone Hibiscus Festival 2016 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva with only three more days to go until the official opening.

Festival spokesman Liga Gukisuva said preparation of the venue was almost complete and contestants were ready to ensure a bigger and better show this year.

“One of the most important things we also want the public to know is that the roads from the Flagstaff roundabout (beside Morris Hedstrom) to the Hibiscus venue will be closed on Saturday from 11.30am until 2pm during the float procession at the opening march,” Mr Gukisuva said.

“We want people to be aware of this so they make alternative arrangements to avoid missing out on the opening or getting caught up in traffic.

“The car park at the ANZ Stadium will be used for stalls and rides and almost 95 per cent preparation of the work has been done as we are days away from the much-anticipated festival.”

Mr Gukisuva said the contestants were prepared for their first event on Friday at the FMF Gymnasium.

“This is the presentation judging and members of the public can purchase their tickets from Damodar outlets to be part of the event.

“With the rainy weather forecast for the week we are fortunate that at the current venue we do not need to worry about muddy and slippery ground conditions.”

* Date: Saturday, August 13

* Time: 11:30am Float procession starts.

* Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva.