With its stunning mountain backdrop, friendly and welcoming crowds, and a programme of entertainment to suit all tastes, the festival is the highlight of the entertainment calendar throughout the Chimanimani district, attracting sizeable crowds drawn from all corners of the district and beyond.
This year’s programme includes a host of well-known Zimbabwean musicians and artists in all genres and, of course, a good representation of Manicaland talent will be on display. Musical groups from Mutare include Sunrise, Paprikaz, Band Mutare and Tswaitwai, among others.
In addition to the music programme, there will be cultural events, theatre, poetry, comedy, film, street performances, workshops and a local talent competition.
The festival organisers are grateful for the support from the British Council for The Colour of Dreams and The Comeback from their Hifa Direct theatre programme, the Embassy of the Netherlands, for sponsoring the opening night’s programme, and the Embassy of Spain, who are bringing in hip-hop/dancehall artist Swan Fyahbwoy and graffiti artist Raul “El Nino de Los Pinturas” Ruiz, who will commission a wall mural during the festival, with support from Zimbabwean graffiti artists.
Other prospective sponsors are still in discussions with the festival organisers to finalise packages.
Acrobatic street performances, from experimental group Art Labs, under the guidance of Melissa Eveleigh, will be provided with the support of Alliance Francaise, British Council and Zimbabwe German Society.
A blessing ceremony conducted by Chief Ngorima will begin the Friday evening programme and from there on until Sunday night, those attending can expect little rest!
No trip to Chimanimani would be complete without taking in some sightseeing or a plunge in one of the crystal-clear streams or waterfalls — Bridal Veil Falls, Tessa’s Pools and the Corner— all come highly recommended for visitors to enjoy the surrounding areas, and a walk from the base camp into the Chimanimani Mountains, while requiring a little exertion is well worth the effort.
