About Us

Preserving Traditions, Fostering Unity

The Zimbabwe Heritage Festival is an annual celebration that pays homage to the rich culture of Zimbabwe, whilst fostering a sense of community and promoting mental wellbeing amongst the diaspora in the UK. Organised by the Milton Keynes Zimbabwean Community Association, this vibrant family-friendly event offers an authentic immersion into the art, music, dance, cuisine and overall spirit that embodies Zimbabwe’s heritage.
Serving as more than just entertainment, the festival provides a vital platform to address the unique challenges faced by Zimbabweans living abroad. It recognises the importance of maintaining cultural identity, nurturing mental health, and empowering the youth. By creating a space for the community to explore their roots, embrace their traditions, and instil a deep sense of pride in the next generation, the event aims to fortify the cultural ties that can often become strained in the diaspora experience.

The diverse and engaging programme features intricate artisan exhibitions, musical and dance performances, delectable food vendors, and educational workshops. Attendees of all backgrounds can look forward to a multi-sensory journey into Zimbabwe’s vibrant cultural tapestry, while also gaining valuable insights into the diaspora’s lived experiences and mental health needs. Moreover, the festival serves as a platform to build social mobility through culture and create pathways for home-grown creative talent. It empowers the Zimbabwean diaspora community, particularly the younger generation, to explore their roots, embrace traditions, and instil cultural pride while building resilience and forging a path towards success. By offering a range of year-round activities culminating in the annual event, the organisers strive to empower the community. With a growing population of Zimbabweans in the UK, the festival aims to become the largest gathering of its kind, uniting individuals from across the region. Last year’s event drew over 1,000 attendees, and the 2024 edition aims to be even bigger and better, with enhanced programming, higher visibility, and a greater impact on uplifting the diaspora community through the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.

Our Vision

To be a globally recognised cultural festival that preserves and promotes the vibrant heritage of Zimbabwe, empowering communities and fostering cross-cultural exchange while addressing identity crisis and prioritising holistic wellbeing.

Our Mission

The Zimbabwe Heritage Festival is dedicated to:

Holistic
Wellbeing

Promoting mental, physical and spiritual wellness through educational workshops, mindfulness practices and showcasing the health benefits of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine and lifestyle.

Identity
Empowerment

Providing a platform for the Zimbabwean diaspora to explore and embrace their cultural roots, overcome identity challenges, and instil a profound sense of belonging.

Community
Upliftment

Empowering local communities by supporting emerging artists, entrepreneurs and changemakers while creating economic opportunities and cultivating inclusive spaces.

Cross-Cultural
Exchange

Bridging divides by welcoming people from all backgrounds to experience Zimbabwe's heritage, fostering mutual understanding, respect and meaningful connections.

Cultural
Preservation

Celebrating and safeguarding the rich artistic, musical, culinary and traditional practices that define Zimbabwe's unique cultural identity for future generations.