Beverly Bizeki
It is that time of the year once again for one of Masvingo’s greatest festivals, Lake October Great Zimbabwe Tourism Festival this time around partnering Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) in celebration of the breast cancer awareness month to bring a unique purpose for the festival.
Head of Public Relations for the festival Tavita Mpala confirmed the developments and said preparations for the third edition of the festival were underway with proceeds being directed towards charity for breast cancer.
“Lake October Annual Festival through its various projects and activities raise funds for charity and this year we have partnered CAZ to raise funds and donations for cancer patients in Masvingo.
“The festival is running under the theme Destination Marketing & Promotion Festival with a Purpose-Tourism for Cancer Awareness. The theme was inspired by the greater need to raise awareness about breast cancer and with the month of October being breast cancer awareness month we took a deliberate stand to be a festival with a cause, infusing the element of edutainment,” said Mpala.
The festival will start on October 20 with live performances at Caravan Park followed by a festival day with plenty of activities at various destinations in the province.
“In line with this year’s theme the opening night of the music festival dubbed ‘Pink Friday Music Concert’ will be held on October 20. The music concert will be headlined by live performances from Zimbabwe’s top female artistes Selmor Mtukudzi, Feli Nandi and DJ Liz. Winky D will perform as a guest artist.
“On Saturday 21 October 2022 the festival shifts to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments for the Great Zimbabwe marathon followed by a Culture day. Hippo Creek Resort, Tambai Lakeside Park and Kyle view resort all on the shores of Lake Mutirikwi will host a full day of activities that include tour of Great Zimbabwe Monuments, lion encounter, game-drives, fun shooting, quad biking, boat cruises, fishing, beach sports and fun activities.
“In the evening Zimbabwe’s top artists, Killer T, EX Q, Holy Ten and Mbeu, will headline the ‘Zim’s Finest Music Concert’ at Caravan Park and local artists and DJs from Masvingo province will perform throughout the festival,” she said.
The Festival culinary competition, food and wine tasting will be hosted by Granez Restaurant at Masvingo Sports Club on 28 October followed by Lake October Charity Golf Day on the 14th of October.
Last year’s edition of the festival was attended by over 8000 people in 3 days.