The much anticipated Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival finally arrived on the 4th of August, the perfect lead up to spring. I had been anxiously waiting since the first day I saw the “Save the Date” in 2017. What can I say I get excited about these things. However I was disappointed in myself for arriving late… I’ll do better next year.

So let’s get into my top ten highlights from the festival:

10. The Event Management Team: House on Fire has proven time and again that they can pull off almost anything, they have this outdoor event thing on lock. The venue is the absolute best when it comes to parking – ample and secure.

9. The Event Name: Luju, sweet like honey.

8. The Build-up: Standard Bank did a god job of hyping this event and it being their first lifestyle event, they got everyone’s attention and taste buds going long before the actual event.

7. The Theme: I loved this aspect of the event, it was new to our market and as stressful as it may have been, it turned out to be quite the fashion parade. I’m so proud of my fellow Swazis for adhering to the theme and making it one trendy and vibrant party.

6. The Set-up: The set up was beautiful, artistic, rustic and open…a great way to experience live music and enjoy amazing food at the same time.

5. The Cashless System: This is a system we festival-goers have been waiting for our whole lives. The lines were not long and the best part was we were no longer stuck with unused coupons.

4. The Kids’ Kitchen: This was the sweetest idea. I didn’t get to see the kids in action but I know from a little birdie that they had the time of their lives. I hope this one gets bigger.

3. The Premium Lounge: The location of it was on point, I loved that there was a path to the front of the stage. It was spacious as well… I didn’t spend a lot of time there though because the general section is where everything was happening.

2. The Food: The food stalls served a variety of sumptuous dishes and were a winner with all the patrons.

1. The Musical Line-up: Every single artist on that line up was on point! The local trio – Floewe, Kholé and Judah – held their own on stage. The Rebirth of cool… whoa. Thandiswa Mazwai, I have no words. Micasa brought their A game and some. I’ m still looking for the Saxaphone player’s numbers. Dj Kenzhero took my last bit of energy and DJ Czar was on point as always!

I would be doing an injustice if I didn’t give my opinion on points of improvement.

1. The Food Village: Rename it and move it to the center of everything because it is after all a food festival. That was the one thing that reminded me that House on Fire is the home of the Bushfire Festival.

2. I would have loved more food demos in the Premium Lounge.

3. A wider selection of beverages.

All in all, this is an event I am saving up for again because I’m confident it will only get better from here on and will be a definite calendar favorite.