Sounds by the sea

Koh Tao, meaning turtle island, forms part of the Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. The island is an important breeding ground for hawksbill and green turtles. The development of tourism has negatively impacted the health of these grounds, but a breeding programme organised in 2004 by a coalition of the Royal Thai Navy and local scuba-diving centre KT-DOC, has reintroduced hundreds of juvenile turtles to the island's ecosystem. The island is well known for scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as hiking, rock climbing, and bouldering.
    The first to be held on the island, the Tao Festival is a cultural, artistic and eco-friendly event that mixes music and visual arts with mapping and graffiti live performances. The stage for visuals and VJ mapping will be created by Yuki Jung and Lupin, while Cart’1, Alex Face and Bordalo II take charge of the street art.
    The festival features 25 Thai and international artists among them T-Bone, Rasmee Isan Soul, Khun Samarn, Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, IngPha, and Srirajah Rockers, Earl Zinger, Francis Harris, Kevin Yost, American disco and jazz-funk band Side Effect, Pillowtalk, Focal, Trus’Me, Naphtaline, Santiago Salazar and Gilles Peterson.
    Daytime activities focus on learning with diving classes and music performances on the beach and conservation workshops, a photo exhibition, and an art learning centre at the coconut plantation on the hill. Several artists will join up to create a work made from common trash. At night, the coconut farm is home to the music.
    Tickets are Bt3,000 for three days and Bt1,500 for one day available at www.AllTicketThailand.com. 
    For more information, visit www.TaoFestival.com,