Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
Organisers of the annual Jameson Victoria Falls Carnival have had to add a second train for the popular train/bush party after tickets for the initial train sold out.
The biggest end of year party taking place in the resort town from December 29 to 31 will feature performances from Zimbabwe’s Afro-Fusion band Mokoomba, ZiFM’s DJ Jason Le Roux, dub step musician Zyon Black and South Africa’s afro pop band Mango Groove and electro swing DJs Good Luck.
Emmanuel Tivatyi, one of the organisers of the event said early bird tickets and three-day passes are all sold out, with single entry passes and two-day passes costing $55 and $90 respectively. Train tickets cost $60.
“Our legendary train party has sold out but carnivalistas shouldn’t worry as we’ve opened up a second train for their partying pleasure. We’re trying to attract as many people as we can hence our decision to add another train.
“With a capacity of 800, the first train will depart from the Vic Falls train station at 4PM while the second one will leave at 7PM. Those who’ll buy their tickets now will therefore board the 7PM train,” Tivatyi said.
The train party, popularly known as “The Bush Party” is one of the highlights of the carnival. Carnival attendees embark on a journey with a vintage steam train that will transport them back in time to a secret bush in Jafuta – about 30 kilometres out of Victoria Falls. On their way, they will be jamming on-board to the new age sound of the supremely talented Vic Falls DJ Francis.
The Steam Train Party is held on the first day of the carnival and the second day will have parties dotted around the resort town with ticket holders given free access.
Tivatyi said preparations for the carnival which is now in its fourth year were at an advanced stage.
“Most of the groundwork is done and we’re anticipating that this year’s event will be much bigger.”
As a result of an outcry from the Victoria Falls community, organisers have this year decided to involve locals in the hosting of the annual fete. Last year, locals were up in arms with carnival organisers whom they claimed had sidelined them by not creating employment for them. A colour party which was introduced last year as part of the carnival festivities has had to be cancelled to give attendees an opportunity to support local businesses.
“We’ve had to ensure that not much activity happens during the day on the 30th as we want people to be free to do activities offered in the resort town and also shop around. We hope local businesses will benefit this way as the local community felt left out last year,” Tivatyi said.
To spread carnival festivities to other players, organisers will on December 30 host carnival after parties at different spots including Shoestrings, Rest Camp and Adventure Zone.
He added that the artiste lineup was almost complete as they are waiting for one more confirmation from a South African hip hop artiste whom Tivatyi was not at liberty to mention.
The last day of the festival will be another highlight of the event as carnivalistas will be ushered into the New Year with electric performances from Good Luck, Mokoomba and Mango Groove among many others at the Victoria Falls Primary school.