Online Reporter
Organisers of the annual Zimfest have apologised to residents of Northampton, England, after this year’s edition of the popular Zimbabwean cultural festival was marred by traffic congestion, parking chaos and reports of anti-social behaviour in surrounding neighbourhoods.
The festival, one of the largest celebrations of Zimbabwean culture in the United Kingdom, attracted about 11 000 people to Delapré Abbey on Saturday, running from 1pm to 10.30pm. Performers included Jah Prayzah, Sulumani Chimbetu and Tamy Moyo. However, disruption continued well into the early hours of Sunday, prompting complaints from residents and local authorities.
Residents of Far Cotton said surrounding streets became gridlocked as hundreds of motorists parked in residential areas instead of using designated parking facilities. While organisers had promoted a park-and-ride service and cheaper town-centre parking, many attendees opted to leave their vehicles in nearby neighbourhoods.
Some residents also blamed the £30 parking fee at Delapré Abbey, arguing that it encouraged visitors to seek free parking on residential streets. A photograph shared with local media appeared to confirm the on-site parking charge, despite earlier promotional material referring to a £15 park-and-ride option.
The disruption drew sharp criticism from Delapré and Rushmere ward councillor Julie Davenport, who said she had been inundated with complaints from frustrated residents.
“The evidence I have seen includes anti-social behaviour, persistent horn sounding long after the event had finished, shouting and abuse, people urinating in residents’ gardens, one incident of defecation in a front garden, dangerous parking, and vehicles blocking or parking across residents’ driveways, including a family with a young boy receiving palliative care,” she said.
“For many local people, it was an absolute nightmare.
“My thoughts are with the residents who had to endure this and with the team at Delapré Abbey. They work incredibly hard to deliver events that our community enjoys and values, and I know they are devastated by what has happened.”
Davenport called for a full review into the planning and management of the event.
“Residents deserve to know what planning took place, what mitigation measures were put in place and why they proved so ineffective. We all want Delapré Abbey to continue hosting successful events that bring people together and benefit Northampton. However, in my view, the organisation of Zimfest was an unmitigated failure from the perspective of local residents, and it is vital that lessons are learned to ensure this never happens again,” she said.
In response, Zimfest organisers issued a public apology, acknowledging the disruption experienced by residents while defending the measures that had been put in place.
“We want to begin by apologising to the residents of Far Cotton and the wider local community for the disruption experienced during this year’s Zimfest. We recognise the impact this had on those living in the area and we are sorry that this was your experience,” the organisers said.
They said that, as with previous editions, a comprehensive traffic management plan had been developed in partnership with the relevant authorities.
“This included designated on-site parking, a park-and-ride service, stewarding and traffic management measures to help safely manage the movement of vehicles and visitors.
“We also offered a range of parking options, including more affordable off-site parking. On-site parking was priced at £30 due to high demand and limited capacity and was fully booked in advance.”
Despite those measures, organisers admitted that many residents had still been affected.
“While these measures were in place, we recognise that many experienced disruption which impacted their day and we sincerely apologise to the residents of Far Cotton and surrounding areas for the inconvenience.
“We are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour by a small number of individuals. We do not condone this behaviour under any circumstances. It is unacceptable, does not reflect what the overwhelming majority of attendees stand for, and we are taking these reports very seriously.”
The organisers added that they are working closely with Delapré Abbey, local authorities and operational partners to conduct a full review of the event.
“We are committed to understanding what happened, identifying where improvements can be made and ensuring those lessons help shape future planning.”
Earlier this week, Delapré Abbey also apologised to residents and pledged that the local community would be involved in a comprehensive review of the event.
West Northamptonshire Council has confirmed that its officers will meet with Delapré Abbey and partner organisations to assess the festival’s management and consider measures to prevent similar disruption at future events.
Meanwhile, Northamptonshire Police said officers attended one incident during the festival at about 7.30pm following the alleged assault of a woman. The matter remains under investigation. – Northampton Chronicle/Zimpapers Writer
