AS COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES, especially Rwanda gear up for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) slated to take place in Rwanda from June 20 to 25, it will not be all about meetings. There are other social events planned to help delegates have a clearer picture of Rwanda and Africa and one of them is the “CHOGM Street Festival” that is being organised by Kigali Farmers and Artisans Market (Kigali FAAM) with Intore Entertainment and Ikaze PCO to make it memorable. This festival will be the first of its kind to happen in Rwanda, and will be taking place at Imbuga City Walk, formerly known as the Car Free Zone. In an interview with The New Times, Florence Mwashimba, founder of Kigali FAAM, further explained about different events and exhibitions that will be taking place at the festival. The Commonwealth Street Festival will be an official side event for CHOGM that will showcase Made in Rwanda and Africa products as well as other entertainment activities. Apart from clothing and apparel products that are commonly known in Made in Rwanda exhibitions, there will be a wide range of other products. More than 80 businesses have so far confirmed they will take part. For instance, Guraride bicycles will be available for people to try out or understand their cause. Mwashimba added that as part of promoting green spaces, drinking water will be free, but for one to get it they will need reusable cups and bottles. This festival’s other important activity is the kid’s corner where parents can leave their children aged between 3-12 as they shop. Mwashimba assured that the kid’s security and fun since there will be games, music and other informal educational activities. People attending the festival will also not have to worry about meals because restaurants serving different types of African authentic cuisines will cater for them. Entertainment in the form of concerts and performances from different artists is also on the list, although Mwashimba could not confirm the artists who will perform. Mwashimba called on everyone to show up and support the businesses because it will impact different lives, including the youth, women or people with disabilities. “It is not easy to be out there for several hours promoting their brands, and every time someone spends money to buy a local product, the money circulates in the community,” she added. This festival will be open to the public and will always start at noon and end at 9:00 PM.
