Lake of Stars

Will Jameson set up the Lake of Stars Project in 2003 to encourage international tourism to Malawi, taking inspiration from events like WOMAD and Glastonbury. The project uses cultural tourism to generate revenue and exposure for Malawi. The project was born from a desire to help promote Malawi as a tourist destination, support the country's cultural sector and expose Malawian artists to an international audience. In 2004 the first Lake of Stars Festival took place in Malawi, headlined by Andy Cato from Groove Armada. The festival has grown to become one of the best-known African festivals on the global circuit, attracting visitors from all over the world. Malawian and international artists gather on the palm-fringed shores of Lake Malawi for a musical, social and cultural exchange in a festival location like no other. The festival has taken place at four locations throughout its history along the length of Lake Malawi- Chintheche Inn, Livingstonia Beach, Salima; Nkopola Lodge, Mangochi; and most recently at the Kabumba Hotel, Salima in 2018. International headliners at Lake of Stars events have included Andy Cato (Groove Armada), Annie Mac, Beverley Knight, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Bombay Bicycle Club, Felix B (Basement Jaxx), Foals, Freshlyground, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Gilles Peterson, Goldfish, Goldierocks, Jon McClure (Reverend and the Makers), Joe Goddard (Hot Chip), John Wizards, M.anifest, The Maccabees, Mafikizolo, Major Lazer Soundsytem, Mary Anne Hobbs, Mokoomba, Nick Mulvey, The Noisettes, Oliver Mtukudzi, Reason, Ric Hassani, Rob da Bank, Sauti Sol, Selmor Mtukudzi, Seth Lakeman, Stanley Odd, Sway, Toya Delazy, Tumi, Uhuru, The Very Best, DJ Yoda, Young Fathers, DJ Wildcat 74/5, Zeus, Zone Fam, and many more. Lake of Stars Project has also produced a number of other cultural events including Lake of Stars London & Glasgow festivals in the UK and the Children's Future Festival, Lilongwe Shorts film festival and Island in the Sky festival in Malawi