Malawi’s premier mobile network provider TNM has been unveiled as the official mobile telecommunications service provider at the 11th edition of Lake of Stars Festival in September this year.

TNM’s Head of Marketing, Sobhuza Ngwenya said as part of its obligation towards the festival, scheduled for September 26-28 at Sunbird Nkopola Resort in Mangochi, TNM has also provided K6.7 million towards its organisation.

“TNM’s partnership with the Lake of Stars Festival this year spells out the company’s long-term commitment towards promoting Malawi’s Arts and Culture through music, the main component of the festival. Music is central to the Malawi culture hence TNM as a truly Malawian mobile network service provider wants to be part of this annual cultural carnival,” he said.

He said patrons to the festival shall soon have a chance of buying tickets in advance at a 25 per cent discount through TNM’s mobile money service, Mpamba.

The Head Marketing said during the festival, TNM marketing activation teams will be on sight to provide instant services such as sim-card purchase, airtime and mobile money transactions using the Mpamba service.

“Patrons and other stakeholders of the festival should look forward to an exciting event with TNM as our partnership with the LOS organisers takes away the stress and hurdle of staying in touch. The crystal-clear TNM network will be available at the festival to provide all primary connectivity services be it voice calls, SMS, internet data and mobile money transactions,” he said.

Lake of Stars Founder Will Jameson said a new addition to this year’s event is a series of talks covering technology, the creative industries and science. He said this year’s event will also throw a spotlight on family togetherness as a children’s program has been included.

“There is a big family focus at Lake of Stars with children aged 12 or under allowed in for free. There will be a children’s program of activities including storytelling, drumming workshops, jumping castles and face-painting,” he said.

This year the festival celebrates the 11th anniversary of its founding and will bring a mix of local and international music stars and a bevy of holiday fun on the lake, beach and the surrounding villages. Lake of Stars is rated and acclaimed internationally as one of the best festivals of its kind in Africa.