Norfolk Island Foundation Day 2024

Wednesday morning was sunny and warm as I headed to Emily Bay for the 236^th anniversary of the British First Settlement on Norfolk Island. This annual Norfolk Island event is called “Foundation Day”, which is a public holiday on Norfolk Island. On the 6 March 1788, twenty-three First Fleeters arrived and settled on remote Norfolk Island claiming the land for a British Settlement.

I enjoy photographing the annual re-enactment, held at Kingston in the World Heritage Area known as KAVHA (Kingston Arthurs’ Vale Historic Area). I will be sharing images on my Facebook page “Norfolk Island photos” plus I have attached a few for readers to enjoy. If you were unable to attend this year, mark the date on your calendar as an important date “6 March” as a great time for visiting Norfolk Island.

Thank you to the local school children, who 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.

The local Norfolk Islander actors dressed in old fashion clothing and military costumes, and they boarded two replica boats at the Lone Pine end of Emily Bay and the men rowed across the water to the Salt Mill end of the bay and came ashore on the sandy beach carrying crates and supplies. A wave washed ashore as they were preparing for they walk along the sand and the poor chicken got sea water in her wooden cage, plus a few of the actors also ended up wet as the wave splashed onto the shore.

Once on the beach, they walked to the prepared public viewing area and set up a camp site and the men hoisted the British Flag and claiming Norfolk Island in the name of His Majesty King George III and drunk a toast to King and Country.

Louise Tavener, from Go Norfolk, organises this wonderful event every year, she co-ordinates with helpers, with setting up the boat, the sound systems, seating, and guest speakers, also with sorting out the costumes and making shore the actors all know what to wear, and where they need to be during the morning’s re-enactment of the historical occasion.

The Wednesday morning activities begun about 10:00am and was followed by live music along with morning tea and lunch prepared by the Norfolk Island Lions and Rotary community groups, plus gift and craft stalls were also set up for the visitors. A large marquee was also organised at Kingston where tourists were able to attend an organised Foundation Day lunch, hosted by the local tourism companies.

Thank you to all of the actors, volunteers, guest speakers, museum manager and staff, the school students and Louci Reynolds and school staff who assisted with the students learning the rolls they played. Plus, everyone behind the scenes, and the visitors who specially travelled to Norfolk Island for this special day. Big thank you to Louise and Jimbo Tavener for making 2024 another successful community event.

I took many photos again this year, with the backdrop of beautiful blue water and massive waves on the outer reef. I will be posting some on Facebook, Norfolk Island photos, plus I have selected a few to share with the Norfolk Online News readers.

Happy Foundation Day everyone.

Betty Matthews

8 March 2024