Fireworks light up Blantyre
As clocks ticked and chimed towards 12 midnight on the New Year’s eve, the skyline of the Independence Arch in Blantyre was pregnant with stunning lights emanating from the fireworks.
The New Year explosion was discernible from as far as Bangwe, Chirimba, Mbayani, Kachere and other distant townships where residents of the city were remotely part of the action.
As if exorcising some forces which would have prevented them from entering 2017, hundreds of families that gathered at the monument of national independence, marveled and screamed as the fireballs split into spectacular glows midair.
Just then, the audience unleashed their cameras and smartphones to take photographs and videos of the memorable moments.
Such was the excitement of witnessing the onset of this year that the flashes from the gadgets offered a no mean sideshow at the Family Fireworks Night.
The event was organised by Blantyre City Council (BCC) in partnership with TNM telecommunication company and Rab Processors Limited.
It offered people of all walks of life a unique atmosphere to meet and together to celebrate in style.
With many people having quality time in drinking joints, prayer houses and their homes, the family outing was a unique addition to the city’s nightlife culture and public entertainment.
Many participants described the event as first of its kind since the city marked a glamourous entry into this new millennium with giant military fireworks atop Soche, Ndirande, Mpingwe and Michiru hills on January 1 2000.
“The multicoloured fireworks display on Chipembere Highway gave me an incredible experience that I will live to remember. On the other hand, the event saved my hard-earned money as I did not have to part away with a tambala to follow the proceedings,” said Haselo Nyuzi from Ndirande.
Besides the lights and wows, which brought a new touch of counting to a fresh year among both visitors and residents, the event comprised live music performances by Mizu Band.
TNM senior manager for public relations, Akossa Mphepo, said the event was epic.
“The success story of the Family Fireworks Night follows another TNM Family Fireworks Night at Blantyre Sports Club which turned out to be very successful. So, we were pleased to partner with BCC to host similar event on the New Year’s Eve,” she said.
Equally wowed was Mayor Noel Chalamanda.
In an interview after the event, he said: “Blantyre City is a way of life. And this has been confirmed through this event which brought together scores of people for a common cause.” n
