Zimfest 2011 returns to Raynes Park UK

The 11th annual Zimfest music, sport, arts and culture event will this year contribute funds to the East Africa Crisis appeal of the British Red Cross. 

Announcing the return of the eclectic festival to London’s Raynes Park on the 27th of August, the event’s organisers pledged to donate funds towards the East African crisis which has seen more than 10 million people facing desperate food shortages following the worst drought in 60 years.

Prospective donors and well wishers can contribute to the Zimfest/British Red Cross appeal on the Just Giving online page: http://www.justgiving.com/Zimfest

Zimfest coordinator, Hilton Mendelsohn, said: “Zimfest has always had humanitarian and charitable objectives at the heart of its principles. This year we are looking to give part of the proceeds of the money raised at the festival towards perhaps the worst food crisis of the 21st Century.

“We are also most excited about returning to our South West London traditional home in Raynes Park after a year away. This Zimfest will be yet another occasion for community development amongst and between Zimbabweans in the UK; and other communities and nationalities,” he added.

Food vendors, art installations as well as the traditional hotly contested rugby 7s-sponsored by Premier league outfit, Saracens – and football 5-A-Side championships; will be back on show for this year’s 10th anniversary fete. A stellar cast line-up of musicians and an expanded list of outdoor events extended to cater for families and children completes part of the mouth-watering programme.

Zimfest will welcome celebrated British veteran DJ Brandon Block famous for his Ministry of Sound and Ibiza gigs. Also among the artists billed to star on the day is Pop sensation Tinashe and Afro-pop duo Bkay and Kazz who are currently riding on the wave of success following the release of their sophomore international album, African Spirit.

Kazz said: “We are most thrilled to return to Zimfest and more so now as African Spirit is out and getting the most amazing reception from our fans and music lovers all over.

“We know Zimfest always brings the most action-packed programme with entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, whether to take part or simply sit and watch. It’s so up our street and we are looking forward to a great festival,” he said.

The impressive music line-up will include star DJ Dave Smallwood from Ministry of Sound, rockers Kamakaze Test Pilots, Kwaito-House diva Oluhle and Former Miss Zimbabwe turned Neo-Soul songstress Karen “Zuwa” Stally.