Lake of Stars Festival now in its 22nd edition returns to Fish Eagle Bay in Nkhotakota for the third consecutive time.
A press statement from organisers Dusty Orange Projects Et Al (Dope) says the festival will this year run from October 2 to 4 celebrating over two decades of impact.
“Lake of Stars Festival is a catalyst for creativity, community empowerment, tourism business and economic growth,” Dope Director Sharmila Elias- Taijala said.
She said they were thrilled to unite people from all walks of life to celebrate Malawi’s vibrant entertainment.
Building on from last year, the festival’s theme for this year is ‘Festivals with Purpose – Inspire, Connect, Invest, Celebrate’.
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“As usual, the 2026 edition will feature a vibrant programme including fashion, waste and visual arts, crafts, cuisine, music, poetry, storytelling, film, workshops and masterclasses,” the director said.
Ahead of the festival, Dope is implementing key community-based initiatives including Mbalame Village Soccer tournament to run from September 20 to October 4 inspired by Malawi National Women football team striker Temwa Chawinga, with Fresh Water Project’s support.
“This tournament promotes female participation in sport, giving young girls from rural communities the opportunity to develop skills, compete for the Temwa Chawinga Trophy and receive new soccer kits,” Elias-Taijala said.
The other programmes that Lake of Stars Festival will run are Day of Ideas Youth Festival on October 1 and The Khalani O Masuka Guest Experience.
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She said this year the festival seeks to inspire, connect, invest and celebrate where purpose meets creativity, culture shines, impact ignites and community rises together.
“Since returning to Nkhotakota, the festival has contributed to local development, including the growth of hospitality infrastructure and increased tourism,” Elias-Taijala said.
Director of Arts in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Humphrey Mpondaminga described Lake of Stars as a premier arts festival that has been shaping artists and empowering communities.
“We are happy the festival is here and most of all it has redefined the power of the music industry in influencing tourism,” Mpondaminga said.
Some of the artists that performed at the festival last year included The Big Five Band, Keturah, Driemo, Amahoro Drummers from Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa and Tamba Africa.
Birthed in 2004 at Chintheche Inn in Nkhata Bay by Will Jameson, the festival has been hosted in a number of places including Kachere Castle in Nkhata Bay, Kabumba Hotel in Salima, Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima and Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi.
