MTN Bushfire Festival returns to Swaziland

The 7th annual MTN Bushfire festival will take place from May 31 to June 2, 2013 and tickets are to go on sale Monday, February 11.

Swaziland’s highly acclaimed three-day music and arts festival returns for another year of true ‘art with heart’ celebrations.

Promoting creative expression whilst also promoting social responsibility, MTN Bushfire is the only festival that donates 100% of its profits to charity. 

Each year a global community of up to 20 000 people from across the world ‘bring their fire’ to the scenic Malkers Valley to experience an eclectic Pan-African and international line up of live music, theatre, poetry, film, dance, workshops and visual arts.

Previous years have seen some of the continent’s biggest stars light up the valley, including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Johnny Clegg, Habib Koite, Ayo, The Parlotones, Freshly Ground, Oliver Mtukudzi, Busi Mhlongo, Goldfish, Mi Casa alongside a host of international world music, jazz and pop acts.

This year’s line up, to be announced soon, will once again reflect the best talent the continent has to offer.

More than simply a music festival, MTN Bushfire is a true gathering of arts and culture for the whole family. In addition to the amazing live-music line up, there is a range of other entertainment and educational activities.

These include the Bushfire Schools Festival, which sees dozens of local school children participating, the Family and Kidzone that includes workshops, theatre, story-telling, fairground rides, farm animals and much more.

In addition, one of the festivals most popular features is The Barn, an interactive art and dialogue space devoted to free exchange of ideas, performance art, exhibitions and speakers and many interactive opportunities for any one engaged with or passionate about the arts. 

MTN Bushfire is about igniting a collective response for positive change – a philosophy that drives every aspect of the festival – setting it apart from all other festivals. The ‘Bring Your Fire’ philosophy is a conscious attempt to engage artists and audiences alike to bring their voice, to bring their contribution in whichever way they can. In doing this, MTN Bushfire celebrates the human spirit, the light in all of us, to become more conscious and active participants in creating positive change for a better world.

Audiences are encouraged to buy their tickets before March 30, 2013 to stand a chance to win awesome prizes including ticket upgrades to the Golden Lounge and five star accommodation, among other prizes.

Also, the first 50 people to buy a full festival ticket will receive a free MTN Bushfire t-shirt.

To make your MTN Bushfire experience as enjoyable and convenient as possible, MTN Bushfire has appointed SwaziTrails to manage accommodation bookings at all local accommodation establishments including Sun International’s five star hotel, Royal Swazi Sun which boasts world class facilities such as a casino, a golf course, restaurants and bars and a variety of outdoor activities suited for the whole family.

Getting to the MTN Bushfire has also never been easier with the Transmagnific shuttle service with daily transfers to and from Mbabane to OR Tambo and Sandton in comfortable mini-buses including a light lunch.

Booking transfers can be made at Go Swaziland. Flight Connector, with shuttle services from Johannesburg to Mbabane can be contacted here.

For those after a true festival atmosphere, the MTN Bushfire campsite is within walking distance of the festival grounds. With exclusive parking for campers, a breakfast café serving delicious food, hot drinks and healthy smoothies in the mornings, the campsite also boasts a brand new toilet and shower block with hot showers and proper toilets. Camping bookings are essential and can be made with All Out Africa.

Dates: May 31 to June 2
Venue: House on Fire, Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland
Tickets: 150 – R700 Children R50 – 150 Children under five years old Free