LA Fest, Thiruvananthapuram’s biggest inter-school arts fest to be held on Friday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Setting the stage for a vibrant showcase of student talent, Loyola School, Sreekariyam, is gearing up to host the 26th edition of ‘LA Fest’, its annual inter-school arts festival, wholly organised by the school’s higher secondary students, on Friday.

The festival, a student-led show, will witness the participation of as many as 1000 students from 16 city schools in a range of cultural competitions and performances focusing on stage presence, spontaneous humour, acting skills, intellectual aptitude, and confidence.

The 2026 edition of ‘Life and Arts Fest’ (LA Fest) will be inaugurated by Fr Varghese Anikuzhy SJ, Former Principal of Loyola School. The renowned Malayali rapper Shambu Ajith, popularly known as MC Couper, and Fr Joseph Edassery SJ, Former Vice-Principal of Loyola School, will be the Guests of Honour.

This edition of the fest will feature seven events — La Persona, Harmony, Enquesta, Block n Tangles, Dance O’ Mania, L’ebate and L’uminate — which will be held from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm. The programmes will culminate with a power-packed performance by Thamarassery Churam, a Kerala-based band.

The organisers said the festival aims to provide a platform for students to explore their talents, encourage healthy competition and celebrate the spirit of creativity and collaboration among schools.

With elaborate preparations underway, the campus is expected to come alive with music, dance, drama, intellectual events and other artistic performances.

Interestingly, LA Persona is the show stealer of the event. Several well-known personalities who went on to excel in their respective careers, including actor and producer Prithviraj Sukumaran, won the LA Persona title during their school days.

Kick-started in 1996 with the participation of just 10 schools, the inter-school fest has gained wide popularity among students and has grown significantly over the years.

Fr Sunny Kunnappallil, SJ, Manager and Rector of Loyola School, Fr Dr Salvin Augustine SJ, Director and Principal of Loyola School, Fr Ramlat Thomas SJ, Principal of Loyola CBSE School, and Roshini Joseph, Vice Principal, Loyola School, Abhinav PK, School Leader, Nakul BL, LA Fest General Coordinator and Rohan Antony, LA Fest Events Coordinator, will also be present.