‘Elections will not stop Lake July Festival’

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Preparations are well on course for the annual Lake July Festival scheduled to start on Friday until Sunday, organisers have reiterated amid stern concerns over persisting cold weather and general elections set for next Monday.

Preparations are well on course for the annual Lake July Festival scheduled to start on Friday until Sunday, organisers have reiterated amid stern concerns over persisting cold weather and general elections set for next Monday.

By Kennedy Nyavaya

The outdoor fiesta is known for attracting significant numbers of merrymakers to party on the shores of Lake Chivero where they enjoy a fanfare of scenery and music from local pop stars, while sipping on their drinks of choice.

While downplaying as a threat the cold spell that has gripped the country in the past two weeks, Lake July adminstrator and marketing officer Aliness Mwanza said all plans were well on course although “like any event there are some hiccups here and there”.

“The weather forecast around that weekend is favourable. However, we are putting in place different chill zones and mbaura [heaters] plus a good entertainment set to keep people on their toes, so people should come and expect to have a good time regardless of weather,” said Mwanza.

According to Mwanza, tickets are selling faster than in the previous edition, a sign that despite happening on election weekend, their patrons are ready to party in line with the theme Unified Festivity, Let’s Party Together.

“This years’ event is being held before the country’s observed elections. We want to create a spirit of unity and peace as people head to the polls because election time has been characterised by a lot of disunity and violence in the past,” she said

“Our main focus this year is for people to set aside differences, come together in unison for one thing, that is to celebrate life and cultural diversity by the lakeside.”

Meanwhile, various artistes billed to perform include ExQ, Killer T, Gary B, Terry Africa as well as Mbeu and Mhodzi Tribe, among many others.

Tickets are available at Chicken Slice, Talk City (Joina City) and Total Service Station (Samora Machel and Avondale). Advance tickets are selling for $10 and $30 for the VIP.