Norfolk Island Foundation Day 2023

On Monday, the 6 March 2023, everyone is invited to Kingston to commemorate the 235^th anniversary of the British First Settlement on Norfolk Island. On the 6 March 1788, twenty-three First Fleeters arrived and settled on remote Norfolk Island. This annual Norfolk Island event is called “Foundation Day”, which is a

public holiday on Norfolk Island.

At the re-enactment, the local Norfolk Islander actors dress in old fashion clothing and military costumes and in previous years they board two replica boats at the far end of Emily Bay and the men row across the water to the Salt Mill end of the bay and come ashore on the sandy beach carrying crates and supplies. Once on the beach, they will walk to the prepared public viewing area and set up a camp site and hoist the British Flag and claiming Norfolk Island in the name of His Majesty King George III and drink a toast to King and Country.

Local school children also play an important part of the morning’s performance. They read the First Settlers’ stories, painting a picture of the characters of those who first settled this remote South Pacific Island on the 6 March 1788.

Louise Tavener, from Go Norfolk, organises this wonderful event, and I have my camera gear prepared for Monday morning’s re-enactment of the historical occasion.

Here are a few photos I have taken in previous years, including some of Martin Clunes who visited a few years ago in 2016 and I had the opportunity to meet and photograph the British actor as he enjoyed the Norfolk Island celebrations down at Emily Bay, Kingston.

If you are unable to attend this year, mark the date on your calendar as an important date for visiting Norfolk Island in the future.

The Monday morning activities will begin at 10:30am, followed by live music and market stalls. Lunch will be available after 11:30am.

Happy Foundation Day everyone.