Lake of Stars Festival (LoS), which announced its return last month after being out of the limelight for some time, will this year be held at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge in Nkhotakota District from September 6 to 8.
This is the first time for one of the top festivals in the country to be held in Nkhotakota.
Dubbed Lake of Stars Reactivated, the festival returns in what the organisers have said is a grand style, marking its 20th anniversary as well as celebrating 60 years of Malawi’s Independence.
The festival gives fun lovers yet another surprise venue having been on top of the game in rotating the event since its birth by Will Jameson at Chintheche Inn in Nkhata Bay in 2004.
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Other places that have hosted the festival include Kachere Castle in Nkhata Bay, Kabumba Hotel in Salima and Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi.
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In a press statement, LoS says the Fish Eagle Bay Lodge offers an immersive experience that harmonises with nature and people.
Surrounded by lush greenery, untouched beaches and pristine landscapes, LoS says attendees will have the opportunity to connect with both the music, culture and the environment in a unique and meaningful way.
“We are delighted to hold this year’s festival at a new venue in Nkhotakota District; this will be our home this year. In the wake of adversities, the festival is positioning itself in response to a district that has not hosted the international festival of Malawi before.
“It is time! The ethos of boosting tourism, sharing our rich heritage, sustainability and environmental stewardship embodied by the eco lodge and the district aligns perfectly with our festival’s values, and we cannot wait to share this incredible setting with our attendees,” LoS Head of Projects and Productions Sharmila Elias, said.
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The festival’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Relationships Zilanie Gondwe described the location as everything.
“Nkhotakota is an extraordinary setting which will challenge imaginations and create unforgettable experiences for attendees. In the spirit of umunthu, LoS returns by choosing a fantastic tourism site and to help mitigate the impacts of climate change on our lakeshore by rallying Malawi and tourists from all around the world to Nkhotakota,” Gondwe said.
She added that the festival of this magnitude will bring much needed economic impact and moral support.
“The district is often overlooked when promoting tourism and this year, Lake of Stars is bringing the spotlight to Nkhotakota! The Fish Eagle Bay eco-lodge is located in a stunning marine bay in the district,” Gondwe said.
She said people have a chance to encounter among others, stunning turquoise waters, aquaculture and wild beaches and that the district is home to to the resilient, strong and majestic fish eagle, the national bird of Malawi, wildlife parks and forest reserves, hot springs and nature trails as well as rich cultural heritage and historic fights against slavery and colonialism.
Fish Eagle Bay Lodge Managing Director Anchen Jooste said they were excited to host such a top festival.
“It gives us an opportunity to reflect our unwavering commitment to uplift communities, showcase Nkhotakota’s warm-hearted hospitality and unique offerings to the world,” Jooste said. Nkhotakota District Commissioner Ben Tonho said the coming of LoS to the district is a wonderful opportunity for people to discover what Nkhotakota can offer.
“We want people to see that Nkhotakota has it all – unforgettable beaches, wildlife and culture,” he said.
Meanwhile, LoS has also announced that early bird tickets will start selling today at discounted rates at selected outlets in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu.
The organisers have since said people should watch the space for the headliners this year.
Some of the artists that have starred at the festival in the past editions include Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi and Mookomba, Kenya’s Sauti Sol and South Africa’s Mafikizolo and Freshlyground.
The district readies for the top festival having been embracing the annual Nkhotakota Music Festival.
