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Showbiz Reporter

It seems the Victoria Falls Carnival has been permanently moved to April from December and fans of the much-loved festival aren’t too impressed.

Announcing the dates (April 28 to 30, 2023) on their Facebook page yesterday as well as the opening of ticket sales, most commented asking event organisers why they had moved the event to April from December.

Over the years, the event had been held in December as a way to usher in the New Year, but last year, following the Covid-19 disruptions, the event was moved to April this year. Most however hoped the event would revert to its December dates, but it seems like that will not be happening if the latest communication is anything to go by.

“Yes, it’s that time of year again. Early Bird tickets for #VFC2023 are now on sale! Friday 28th – Sunday 30th April 2023. Mark the dates in your calendars!” wrote carnival organisers.

“April again will definitely pass this time. Can’t be travelling to Zimbabwe after December just for the carnival. I guess it’s for locals. December was rocking easy for those in the diaspora as most will be local,” commented one.

“Bring that festival back to December. End-of-year events are always a blast. Went to Vic Falls Carnival in 2018 and it was amazing. Mid-year is hectic, people are busy, etc. While in December, it’s time to party and travel,” suggested another.

“To be honest, Vic Falls was dope in December not April,” simply wrote another.

“Vic Falls Carnival, we want our favourite December festival back, we aren’t coming till you revert to the original dates.”

“I have done carnival in December and in April. It was not the same experience. It was pretty dead (April), and lost a lot of the international attendees due to the time of year. Take it back to year end!”

Commenting on why they decided to move the dates from December to April, organisers said the event needed its own special dates that would not compete with the New Year’s Eve hype and activities.

“We’re moving the dates out of New Year’s for various reasons, the primary reason being that we feel Vic Falls Carnival is Africa’s celebration of its diverse culture, food and arts, and as such, deserves its own standalone date.

“We have chosen a weekend that has Monday, 1 May as a public holiday (Workers Day) so that we can all enjoy a long weekend filled with the best music, adventure, and hospitality that Africa has to offer.”