LONDON – Organisers of this year’s Zimfest have quashed reports that the incidents of public defecation had led to them accruing a £3000 fine, while the mayor of Dunstable town has also given the music extravaganza her thumbs up.
Hailed as the UK’s biggest celebration of Zimbabwean culture, this year’s edition of Zimfest, held at the Hertfordshire County Showground in St Albans over the weekend and featured the cream of the country’s musicians including Winky D, Jah Signal and Saintfloew.
However, while attendees gave the show rave reviews, social media reports suggested all had not good well, with one widely circulated image claiming organisers had been fined after “at least 15 heaps of human faeces were discovered around the venue and surrounding roads following the event.”
In a statement, organisers of the festival said all had gone well and while improvements could still be made for future editions, they had not been fined for any untoward behaviour by revellers.
“It was incredible to see so many happy, respectful, and vibrant faces come together to celebrate our culture. Just to clarify; no fine was issued to the organisers and we’re proud of how well everyone represented the community.
“We’re listening to your feedback as we work to improve and grow. Let’s keep the good vibes going,” organisers said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Dunstable, Councillor Sally Kimondo, has hailed the festival as a great celebration of Zimbabwean culture.
“A heartfelt thank you to Jan Paul and the Zim fest team for the invitation and their warm hospitality. The experience was beyond words. It was wonderful to meet with officials from the Zimbabwe High Commission UK and engage in meaningful conversations.
“The event was vibrant showcasing the rich cultural diversity that makes our communities so dynamic and engaging,” she said in a statement.
Mayor Kimondo said the fest served as a shining example of the beauty of cultural diversity and pride.
“It was a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and engagement, highlighting how events like Zim Fest & others are instrumental in inviting and including other cultures.
“By bringing diverse communities together, we gain valuable insights into how different cultures work and interact, fostering mutual understanding and meaningful connections.”
