The long-awaited Malawi Arts and Cultural Festival (Macfest) will not be affected by the cancellation of the African Union (AU) Summit, an official in the department of culture in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture has said.

Macfest was expected to take place last month before being postponed to this month to target the AU Summit.

"The festival will go ahead as planned despite targeting the AU Summit and we are making progress on preparations," one of the organisers Anganile Nthakomwa said.

She said the festival will take place at two venues; Civo Stadium and Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.

Several artists have s tar ted doubting as to whether the festival will take place.

"I am not sure whether this festival will take place, we got letters of invitation at first before it was shifted and then we were told it will take place in June and then now its July. If they are not ready this year, let them just say so and stop confusing us," said an artist who declined to be named.

Deputy director of culture in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture Bernard Kwilimbe assured the arts fraternity that the festival will take place in September.

"We targeted the AU Summit because we wanted to give a chance to foreigners to appreciate different art works from Malawians but with the cancellation we will go ahead," he said.

He added: "But some members suggested that June was not a perfect time but rather they should hold it this month to target the AU summit where foreigners can also access the festival."