What was meant to be a joyful weekend celebrating Zimbabwean music, food, and heritage took an unfortunate turn when Zimfest UK ended with a hefty fine and a mess—literally.
The annual festival, held at Hertfordshire Showground, is a major highlight for Zimbabweans living in the UK.
But this year, it drew criticism after post-event conditions shocked local authorities and residents.
Waste Left Scattered Around the Festival Grounds
After the festivities wrapped up, council workers were greeted not with lingering good vibes, but with at least 15 heaps of human waste, used condoms, and garbage piling up around the site and on nearby roads.
Overflowing bins and unsanitary conditions raised serious concerns—not just about hygiene, but also about the event’s growing impact on the local environment.
Authorities didn’t hold back. The event organisers were fined £3,000 (about R71,900) for the aftermath, and the fine may be just the beginning of wider scrutiny.
Not Enough Toilets for a Growing Crowd
More than 30,000 people attended the festival, including many Zimbabweans who have recently moved to the UK, some on skilled worker visas.
With the community growing, the festival has become even more popular.
But this year, that popularity exposed a major weak spot—poor sanitation planning.
Critics were quick to point out that there simply weren’t enough toilets to serve the swelling crowd.
The lack of proper waste management turned what should have been a weekend of pride and celebration into a public health concern.
Calls for Better Coordination Going Forward
Despite the mess, Zimfest UK still holds a special place in the hearts of many in the diaspora.
It’s not just a music event—it’s a space to connect with culture, friends, and home. But this year’s issues have led to a wake-up call for the organisers.
Many attendees have spoken out, urging the festival team to work more closely with local councils in the future.
Suggestions include increasing the number of portable toilets, improving clean-up efforts, and planning better for crowd control and waste disposal.
Can Zimfest UK Bounce Back?
For now, the festival’s reputation has taken a hit, but it’s not beyond repair.
With better planning and more accountability, Zimfest UK could return stronger—and cleaner—next year.
Big cultural events always bring logistical challenges, but what matters is how organisers respond when things go wrong.
This incident serves as a reminder that behind the music and joy, responsible event management is key to maintaining the trust of both attendees and local communities.