Preparations for the 2026 Sand Music Festival have been disrupted after floods along the Lake Malawi shoreline forced organisers to relocate the annual entertainment event.
The festival, which draws local and international artists, fans and businesses will now take place at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi. Organisers had initially planned to host the event in Salima, but flooding made most lakeshore beaches unsuitable.
Festival lead coordinator Yamikani Chinguwo confirmed the decision saying, “We faced a massive hiccup getting a venue as most beaches along the lakeshore in Salima have flooded. This made us go back to Nkopola in Mangochi.”
Despite the setback, preparations are continuing with organisers working to ensure the festival runs smoothly.
The venue change has sparked interest among entertainment stakeholders as festivals provide vital income opportunities for artists, vendors, transport operators, accommodation providers and other small businesses.
This development highlights how climate related challenges are beginning to affect Malawi’s entertainment industry which plays a growing role in supporting livelihoods.
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