Music to welcome 2007 in Meghalaya

Shillong, Dec 28 (UNI) Preparations are in full swing to bid adieu to 2006 and welcome the New Year in Meghalaya with music and midnight swim.

In capital Shillong, the Meghalaya Tourism Development Front (MTDF) is organising an open air concert -''In Shillong Music Rolls Along'' at Khyndai-lad, the commercial hub centre, featuring Kolkata-based Krosswindz rock band.

Popular local bands - Snow White, Felixes, Timmy Kharhujon and others will also take the centre stage to serenade music lovers in this hill state to welcome 2007.

''This time, the concert will attract more people and even from our neighbouring state Asom,'' MTDF Vice-Chairman Larsing Ming Sawain told UNI here.

He said the concert will be aired live for public viewing on local cable channels.

Mr Sawain said most of the hotels in the city are full with tourists from different states and abroad flocking here to celebrate the week-long festivity.

''Shillong is a happening place and that's why, we are here to celebrate New Year,'' Aubrey and Stephanie Gibbon said.

The state police have also planned security arrangements to ensure that the celebrations passed off peacefully.

Apart from the open air concert, other hotels in the city have arranged various programmes. At 'Cloud Nine' in a hotel the Centre Point Entertainment Network will organise a DJ Night with Channel V DJs Shireen and DJ Ashley. At another hotel a ''Miracle Night 2006'' would be organised with DJ Vinit as the guest DJ.

The Forever Young will hold the 10th midnight swim on December 31.

UNI RRK PL RD 1444