Organisers of Lake of Stars (LoS) spent last weekend in Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, to draw lessons from the country’s top arts festival, Bush Fire Concert.
In an interview, LoS country project coordinator for Malawi Shamila Elias said they are learning from others to improve the festival.
She said they settled for Bush Fire Concert because its organisers are involved in several international events.
“It was an eye opener and we have picked a number of lessons,” she said.
LoS took on board officials from Kabumba Hotels in Salima, the host of this year’s festival.
“We wanted them to appreciate how their counterparts are doing it at international level. We usually look for ways to improve skills among our team and the trip was part of that principle,” she said.
Elias said the major lesson from the tour is how to provide effective and efficient security during big events. She said “the lessons will improve security at this year’s LoS.”
Since its inception, LoS has registered a number of challenges and topping the list has been security.
Kabumba hotel’s acting manager Patrick Banda said although preparations are at an advanced stage, there is time to apply the knowledge gained in Eswatini.
“The work will, among others, include reconstruction of a swimming pool to accommodate a side bar at the pool,” said Banda.
The Eswatini trip comes barely a month after the team attended the Hifa festival in Harare Zimbabwe to draw some lessons and networking.
This year’s festival marks its 15th anniversary and will be held from 28 to 30 September in Salima.
Among the international headliners unveiled is Kenyan-based afro-pop band, Sauti Sol while on the local scene it is hip-hop star Fredokiss. n
