First Lady to launch inaugural Farm to Market and Arts Festival

Oscar J Jeke
Zim Now Reporter

The inaugural edition of the Farm to Market and Arts Festival 2024, showcasing fresh produce, traditional foods, arts and crafts among other things, is set to be launched from May 18-19 at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare.

The festival, a brainchild of First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, who sees the event as an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, has a widened base of stakeholders, from producers, agro-processors, distributors, artisans, fashion designers and cultural enthusiasts who will look to connect and create business links through their produce.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and event organiser, Nelly Nhauranwa said that visitors will be spoilt for choice as many activities are lined up, including farm produce, handcrafted curios and Zimbabwean cuisines, while a number of artistes will also entertain the visiting crowd.

“The festival is a pioneering initiative that celebrates Zimbabwe's vibrant agriculture, art, crafts and cultural heritage.

“The Farm to Market and Arts Fest 2024 is a brainchild of Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxillia Mngangagwa, who envisioned a platform that brings together fresh produce, traditional food, agro-processed foods, arts, crafts and Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage. Producers, agro-processors, distributors, artisans, fashion designers and cultural enthusiasts will be provided with an opportunity to connect and forge beneficial business links.

“Visitors can expect a range of attractions and exciting activities including: competitively priced farm produce and processed foods, handcrafted curios and crafts, iconic Zimbabwean dishes made from local organic ingredients, cultural performances, fashions shows and a display of the latest agriculture equipment and machinery. A number of top Zimbabwean artistes are also lined up to perform over the two days,” read the statement.

Tickets for the festival will be available for purchase at all Simbisa Brands outlets, priced from ZiG$70 for adults and ZiG$30 for kids.