Chronicle Editor
Showbiz Writer
For weeks, a great deal of hype and anticipation surrounded the New Year’s Eve Munch & Sip food and drink festival.
Despite initial concerns about cold and wet weather, the sun broke through, drawing a crowd of 4 100 to the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The festival grounds buzzed with activity as attendees explored an array of food stalls.
The mid-summer air was filled with the sounds of live music and DJ acts on the stage, which saw festival-goers singing and dancing along into the New Year. Entertainment was provided by The Travellers Band, Sekunjalo Ma Africa and a host of DJs.
Among the people who graced the event and curried a dash of flavour onto the festival, was a large contingent of visitors from neighbouring Botswana who added a little cross-cultural feel to the recipe.
Festival merchandise was a hit as visitors embraced the vibrant atmosphere, securing tickets to unlock exclusive offers from traders and local producers.
The festival’s star-studded entertainment line-up, gourmet tastings and enticing dishes delivered exceptional satisfaction and entertainment. Each food stall showcased its signature flavours, personalities and tastes, earning praise for their delivery and charisma.
The festival was like a culinary tour guide leading excited, curious food lovers through a savoury tour. Dishes were laced the festival’s notable charm, culinary smarts and calm nature.
The fifth edition of the festival did not only provide entertainment value but provided a boost to the local economy as well. The economic value of the event appears to be increasing consistently and significantly with each edition. The latest edition, according to event organisers, created over 100 jobs.
Even the absence of the headline act, Buster 929, who missed his flight from South Africa to Bulawayo, failed to dampen the festive mood.
A Lemon Groove spokesperson said they were impressed by the turnout as it goes a long way in supporting the local food chain thereby boosting the city’s economy.
“The festival plays a crucial role in elevating the profile of exhibitors, with attendees expressing a likelihood of returning for future editions. Producers were encouraged to showcase locally grown, reared, caught, and/or processed products, fostering the region’s gastronomic tourism strategy to enhance the value of the food and drink sector,” the spokesperson said.
Gift Banda, former Bulawayo City Council deputy mayor, commended event organisers, Lemon Groove for orchestrating another successful event.
“A huge well done to team Lemon Groove for yet another successful event. Attracting over 4 000 visitors is a significant milestone and further cements our city’s reputation as a host of world-class events,” Banda said.
“The city was buzzing with happy, smiling people and bringing income to the traders and local producers is a real boost to the local economy,” he added.
Attendees who spoke to this publication stated that they felt that it was important for the region’s food products to be displayed at such events with most agreeing that the quality of local produce is good.
Tourism operator and event partner Dyke Tawanda praised the festival as the “best” he has attended. Reflecting on its evolution, he emphasised the shared passion and drive among participants, highlighting the city’s dedication as a key factor in the festival’s success.
“In the early stages, there was a handful of stalls, but the response was amazing and very, very quickly it’s morphed into what it’s become. It’s been a privilege to have partnered with the festival.
“I’ve seen festivals come and go, but what seems to be the underlying thing about successful ones is that everyone has the same goal, it’s that passion and that drive. It’s the economic impact that it has had and continues to have,” Tawanda said.
“I think the difference with this is that the city is as passionate about it as everybody else and I think that’s the key. Without that, it just wouldn’t work.”
A visitor to the event, Melissa Lunga said culture is at the heart of the city and the Munch & Sip Festival always shows Bulawayo at its very best.
“The fact that over 3 000 people have visited this festival, many who will have been drawn to the city by the event, is outstanding. It really puts the city on the map as a destination.
“I’m sure many of them will return to explore everything our city has to offer including our many other popular events, leading entertainment spots and our wider cultural offer,” Lunga said.
The organisers of the festival, Lemon Groove Brand Consultants, said events like this are only possible with the support of sponsors and partners.
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