The countdown to the 19th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival is underway, with the crew transforming House On Fire ahead of the sold-out festival.
The MTN Bushfire Festival grounds are gaining momentum, buzzing with activity as the crew races against time to prepare for the extravaganza set this weekend.
Workers, contractors and festival crews were seen yesterday putting together the massive festival arena, with preparations stretching from the camping sites to the main stage, the global food village and the ever-popular barn marketplace. Supporting services, including police officers, fire personnel and emergency response teams, were also among the first groups to receive their wristbands as operations intensify ahead of Thursday’s opening activities.
Several stalls were already taking shape across the venue, including those for Eswatini Beverages Limited brands Corona and Sibebe, as the company prepares to once again deliver memorable consumer experiences during the annual festival. Phone charging stations were also being installed across the grounds to cater for thousands of expected festivalgoers.
One crew member Mlandvo Dlamini, said working behind the scenes was an exciting experience.
“We are excited to be part of this year’s festival because people come here from different countries and cultures. It feels good to help create a place where everyone can enjoy themselves together,” he said. Another crew member said preparations had created a vibrant atmosphere even before the festival officially begins.
“The energy on site is already amazing. We are working hard to make sure visitors feel welcome and safe when they arrive,” she said. One of the notable features that stood out during preparations was the clear naming and demarcation of festival zones, making it easier for patrons to navigate the sprawling grounds.
Areas such as the Global Food Village, Kidzone, camping sections and The Barn Marketplace were already visibly marked as the crew fine-tuned the setup.
Festival Communications Manager Phiwo Dhlamini said preparations were progressing well.
“The site is taking shape and everything will be ready by Thursday when we welcome guests for the 15th EU Bushfire Schools Festival,” said Dhlamini.
The 15th EU Bushfire Schools Festival is scheduled to take place on Thursday, at House On Fire in Malkerns and will officially kickstart the MTN Bushfire experience before the main festival on Friday. Meanwhile, excitement around this year’s festival continues to build following confirmation that MTN Bushfire 2026 is officially sold out for the 14th consecutive year. Organisers have urged ticket holders to complete wristbanding early at designated centres, stressing that wristbands would be issued strictly to ticket holders in person.
Beyond the music, this year’s edition promises a strong celebration of creativity, sustainability and family-friendly entertainment.
The Barn Marketplace is once again expected to be one of the festival’s biggest attractions, bringing together African artisans, designers and creators under the festival’s sustainability drive. Among those expected to showcase their work is Tanzanian artist Linda Mushi of Linda Creative Arts, who will host live string-art demonstrations and interactive sessions where festivalgoers can create their own pieces.
Festival favourites Quazi Design, winners of the 2025 Best Stall Master Maker Award, are also set to return with their recycled-magazine jewellery and homeware collection crafted by women artisans.
The Global Food Village is also shaping up into a culinary hotspot, with vendors, such as Malkerns Farm Stall, Caipira Brazil, Vegan Eswatini, Smash Burger, Lesotho Trout Delights and Yugo Asian Fusion expected to cater for diverse tastes throughout the three-day festival. Families attending the event can also look forward to an immersive African Circus-themed Kidzone featuring acrobatics, storytelling, interactive crafts and the KFC Fun Zone. Organisers say the family space has been designed to encourage participation, creativity and connection for both children and parents.
With the final touches now underway and thousands expected to descend on Malkerns this week, the festival grounds are steadily transforming into the vibrant African circus that MTN Bushfire has become known for across the continent.
