The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, after it’s hugely successful inaugural edition, will return this year on August 3rd with a diverse and uniquely curated program that focuses on regional flavours, tastes and trends.
Set on the lavish lawns of the House on Fire Sculpture Garden against a breath-taking backdrop of endless cane fields and rolling hills in Eswatini, just a four-hour drive from Johannesburg at the home of the MTN Bushfire Festival, this is a not-to-be missed event for any food enthusiasts, culture buffs and travellers.
With the global culinary sensation Siba Mtongana already announced as the headliner for the exciting and interactive culinary program, a range of additional activations and engagements have also been confirmed.
Sustainable and Local
Returning to Luju for the second year will be the much-loved Ultimate Braai Master Pete Goffe-Wood, who will host an interactive and collaborative activation in partnership with Malandela’s Restaurant.
A world-renowned chef, a judge of MasterChef and founder of Kitchen Cowboys, Pete will once again host the hugely popular Kids Kitchen at the festival.
Through fun and interactive games and cooking demonstrations, children will have the chance to learn about the various recycling categories, such as waste, recyclables (paper, plastic, metal), biodegradable, and compostable.
Luju means honey – and this year, local honey producer and bee expert Sibusiso Dlamini, from Bulembu Honey, will present an informative overview on the history and current plight of the African honey bee. Global food security is directly dependent on bees, and yet pests, disease, and pesticides are threatening their very existence.
Local honey production and the protection of the honey bee have been identified as essential to community development, as well sustainable farming and job creation within Eswatini.
The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival is also excited to host the fresh-produce Ekuphileni Market, as well as PELUM Swaziland at this year’s event. PELUM is a network of non-governmental organizations that strive to conserve the environment and actively promote sustainable agriculture practices. PELUM will be at Luju to share the progress on their first urban garden being created in the capital city of Mbabane.
To accompany the various food activations, Luju will be offering an array of drinks spaces and activations. The Drinks Promenade, at the centre of the Luju gardens, is our new adventure within an adventure, that will allow guests to journey through the Luju gardens while experiencing exclusive wines, whiskeys, craft beers and gins from a selection of our new beverage partners.
Sway the Night Away
In addition to the full array of food and lifestyle activities taking place across the Luju landscape, The Standard Bank Luju Main Stage will feature an inspired array of jazz, afro-pop, blues, a cappella and much more, showcasing high-profile acts from the region and beyond.
The Standard Bank Luju Festival is excited to confirm the legendary Bongo Maffin from South Africa as a headline act who will take to the stage on Saturday night.
For more information, and to purchase tickets and accommodation, visit: www.lujufestival.com
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