BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS— With just one day remaining before the much-anticipated MTN Bushfire Festival officially opens its gates, excitement is reaching fever pitch as the 19th edition prepares to transform Eswatini into a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and connection. Hosted at the iconic House On Fire arts complex in Malkerns,, the three-day festival will run from 29–31 May 2026, drawing audiences from across the region and beyond.
At the heart of the festivities, the beloved KidZone returns with a bold new identity — the African Circus. Designed as an immersive world for young “Fire Starters” and their families, the KidZone will run over the weekend from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday, offering a rich blend of performance, play, learning and cultural discovery. This year’s experience goes beyond entertainment, inviting children into a living, breathing world of imagination inspired by African creativity and global performance arts.
At the centre of the African Circus is the Circus Playground, where movement, rhythm and acrobatic excellence take centre stage in a high-energy celebration of skill and storytelling.
Audiences can look forward to a diverse lineup of performers, including the acclaimed South African acrobatic collective The Cirk, and Ireland’s Guinness World Record-holding sword swallower Murray Molloy, whose daring acts are set to captivate festival-goers.
The experience is further enriched by the interactive Klitgras Drumming Circle, inviting families to participate in rhythm and sound, while local favourites such as Gymnastics Warriors, Talent in Motion, and Clowns Without Borders bring humour, agility and heartfelt performances that celebrate both artistry and community spirit.
Beyond the main stage performances, the KidZone unfolds into a series of themed environments designed to spark creativity and nurture childhood development. The Imagination Tent, hosted by Temdzabu Arts, offers children an engaging space filled with indigenous games, African storytelling, riddles, traditional music and dance—ensuring cultural heritage is passed on through joyful interaction.
For high-energy fun, the KFC FunZone delivers a continuous flow of games, movement activities and dance sessions that keep young festival-goers active and entertained throughout the weekend.
For those seeking a calmer experience, the Craft & Spa Garden provides a soothing sensory space where children can explore creativity through hands-on crafts and relaxing activities.
The Grand Stage brings families together for live entertainment, featuring karaoke sessions, family performances and energetic DJ sets by DJ Tapi, creating a lively atmosphere of shared enjoyment.
At the heart of it all, the Food Garden offers a welcoming space for families to rest, refuel and reconnect between the many activities spread across the festival grounds.
Staying true to the MTN Bushfire Festival’s strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility, this year’s KidZone introduces “Green Superheroes”, a creative environmental education initiative. Through interactive edutainment, these eco-champions teach children about recycling, waste reduction and hygiene awareness in a fun and engaging way, encouraging them to become active participants in protecting the environment.
From magic shows and traditional dance to craft workshops, virtual reality experiences and interactive performances, the KidZone schedule promises a full weekend of discovery for children and families alike.
This vibrant experience is made possible through the support of lead partner KFC, alongside Domestos, Women & Children Clinic, and Malandelas Farm, whose contributions help bring the African Circus vision to life.
As the tents rise and the music begins to echo across the festival grounds, the message is clear: the MTN Bushfire KidZone is not just a space for entertainment, but a world where children are encouraged to play, learn, dream and discover the magic of Africa together.
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(Courtesy Pic)
