Preparations intensify for MTN Bushfire as organisers roll-out wristbanding, cashless systems and travel options ahead of the much-anticipated festival weekend.
Festivalgoers are being urged to beat queues by collecting wristbands early, with MTN Bushfire confirming that wristbanding begins tomorrow at selected MTN Service Centres in Mbabane, Ezulwini, Gables and Manzini, while additional collection will be available at House On Fire in Malkerns ahead of the festival weekend.
Organisers say the festival will operate as a fully cashless experience, with wristbands serving as digital wallets powered by Howler, allowing attendees to preload funds before arrival or top up on-site.
According to the director of the MTN Bushfire Festival is Jiggs Thorne, the system is designed to improve safety and convenience for Fire Starters while enhancing the overall festival experience.
“MTN Bushfire is a fully cashless festival experience making spending quicker safer and more convenient,” he said.
Mobile Money (MoMo) services will also play a key role, enabling locals and traders to complete seamless transactions, while selected vendors across the festival will accept MoMo payments for added convenience.
Travel packages from South Africa and Mozambique, along with discounted AirEswatini flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Harare, are expected to boost regional attendance, with a 15% discount offered on return tickets.
Festival organisers are encouraging Fire Starters to follow official MTN Bushfire social media platforms for real-time updates, announcements and behind-the-scenes content as the countdown to the 2026 edition continues.
Organisers also reminded attendees to consult the official Survival Guide available on the festival website for navigation tips, safety information and essential planning tools ahead of the event.
“We are building a seamless, cashless and connected festival experience that allows Fire Starters to focus on music, art and culture while enjoying safe and easy transactions across all areas,” he added.
Thorne said the the initiative underscored MTN Bushfire’s commitment to innovation, accessibility and community engagement, ensuring that both local and international Fire Starters enjoy a streamlined experience from arrival to departure while supporting local vendors, embracing digital payment solutions and celebrating diverse cultural programme continues to position the country on the global festival map.
