By Our Reporter
It was all pomp and glamour on Sunday at Lugogo Cricket Oval as the 19th edition of Blankets & Wine went underway. Above, the sun shone brightly, just a perfect weather for the picnic-styled musical event. Gates were flung open as early as 1pm and by 3pm, the expansive lawn at Lugogo Cricket Oval was teeming with hordes of Kampala party animals, draped in fashionable outfits; it felt like a fashion extravaganza.
The music blared as more revelers trickled in. Deedan Muyiira, who’s the resident emcee at Blankets & Wine, stepped on stage and, poof, the curtain was literally cut. Musical performances ensued thereafter; they ranged from Aka Dope Band (who are getting better by day), Izaya The Composer, Bero, Mwiza, Eli Nihloxica, the famed duo of Benon & Vamposs, and, of course, the headlining act, Sauti Sol. Revelers, especially women, hanged onto every song they pelted. From Sura Yako, Nerea, Unconditionally Bae to Melanin, Sauti Sol literally stole the show. On the decks were DJ Chapat and DJ Bank Robber who kept revelers on their feet.
Before darkness inked the sky, earlier on, corporate brands, as is always the norm, had showcased creativity in their hospitality tents. The Tusker Malt hospitality lounge left people ‘green’ with envy. They had a spacious sitting lounge with puffy green cushions that offered unmatched relaxation and tranquility. Guests in the Tusker Malt tent, which stood out beautifully, made merry with frosty drinks in hand. Still in the tents, the Uganda Waragi pop up beach was such a spectacle with white sand, umbrellas and, of course, cocktails.
Silk Events did a brisk job. There wasn’t any sound glitches as the event carried on. As it has been the norm, drinks were in plenty. Some folks opted to carry their favourite drinks that ranged from wines, whiskey and whatnot. Thereafter, instead of drinking and driving, Ubers were a call away.
Grace Namutebi, the brand manager Tusker Malt Lager, mentioned that their participation in Blankets and Wine brings them closer to their consumers. “Once in a while, we would like to interact, party with our customers and also give them a memorable experience hence the partnership with Blankets & Wine which gives us the opportunity to do this,” She said.
And as night fell in, with a cold breeze blowing through, revelers on their feet, dancing and drinking, it was evident that they had ended the year in style.