Around the World in 80 Minutes

Yesterday, the Lake of Stars crew made our way to the monumental ExCeL building on the other side of London for the World Tourism Market. We wanted to make sure that as many people as possible were aware of the inspired Lake of Stars festival and to see what we could do in collaboration with other businesses around the world, particularly Africa. Upon entrance we were immediately blown away by daunting size of the place, worrying that perhaps we had got lost and ended up in an Airport Terminal rather than the World's biggest meeting of Travel-centric minds.

Situated in what seems like a never-ending room is a labyrinth of business stalls grouped by nations and then, on a larger scale, by continent. Despite having our sights set on Africa, and in particular its 'Warm Heart', we couldn't resist a walk around the whole hall checking out what every nation had on offer, in a trip that took us well over an hour. People from literally every country in the world had come thousands of miles to set up stalls and do business.

Eventually, after getting our hands on some free food and drink from all over the planet, we headed back to Malawi, where the country's businesses were centred around a large hut, full of people who were only too happy to help and spread the good word of Malawi.

We went around chatting to all kinds of businesses from all over Africa, spreading the Lake of Stars love and building up links in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Big up to our new friend Christopher from Woni Safaris in Kenya, who spoke with us at length about all the benefits of travelling through Africa and was insistent that we visit him some time in the very near future.

After talking to everyone who would listen and having knackered ourselves from all the excitement, we headed back home to London (the real London), with a day well spent networking across the world.

For more info on the World Travel Market please Click Here

Around the World in 80 Minutes

Yesterday, the Lake of Stars crew made our way to the monumental ExCeL building on the other side of London for the World Tourism Market. We wanted to make sure that as many people as possible were aware of the inspired Lake of Stars festival and to see what we could do in collaboration with other businesses around the world, particularly Africa. Upon entrance we were immediately blown away by daunting size of the place, worrying that perhaps we had got lost and ended up in an Airport Terminal rather than the World's biggest meeting of Travel-centric minds.

Situated in what seems like a never-ending room is a labyrinth of business stalls grouped by nations and then, on a larger scale, by continent. Despite having our sights set on Africa, and in particular its 'Warm Heart', we couldn't resist a walk around the whole hall checking out what every nation had on offer, in a trip that took us well over an hour. People from literally every country in the world had come thousands of miles to set up stalls and do business.

Eventually, after getting our hands on some free food and drink from all over the planet, we headed back to Malawi, where the country's businesses were centred around a large hut, full of people who were only too happy to help and spread the good word of Malawi.

We went around chatting to all kinds of businesses from all over Africa, spreading the Lake of Stars love and building up links in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Big up to our new friend Christopher from Woni Safaris in Kenya, who spoke with us at length about all the benefits of travelling through Africa and was insistent that we visit him some time in the very near future.

After talking to everyone who would listen and having knackered ourselves from all the excitement, we headed back home to London (the real London), with a day well spent networking across the world.

For more info on the World Travel Market please Click Here

Interview with Mayamiko Trust

Last week, during our post-festival gig at RichMix, we managed to catch up with the lovely Paola from the Mayamiko Trust. Paola came down to sell the clothing that they specialise in. Mayamiko’s vision is to supply UK and worldwide retailers with high-quality, ethically produced African-made fashion and homeware. They have created an ethical production unit in Malawi where they train underprivileged women in sewing and CMT. Many of their trainees, especially women, are victims or care for orphans of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The clothing that Paola was selling at RichMix were made in Malawian sustainable sewing and knitting training schools. Mayamiko aims to create orders for the highly trained graduates to make fashion for the export market. They use ethical labour standards and locally sourced fabrics and materials as well as providing meals, bicycles, childcare and training to TEVETA standards (Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational and Training Authority) for their trainees and graduates.
All proceeds will be reinvested into the production unit in Malawi enabling the project to continue to grow and benefit the local community.

Check out our interview with Paola below:


For more info on Mayamiko Trust Click here.
In particular, if you would like to learn more about their project in Malawi Click here.

Interview with Mayamiko Trust

Last week, during our post-festival gig at RichMix, we managed to catch up with the lovely Paola from the Mayamiko Trust. Paola came down to sell the clothing that they specialise in. Mayamiko’s vision is to supply UK and worldwide retailers with high-quality, ethically produced African-made fashion and homeware. They have created an ethical production unit in Malawi where they train underprivileged women in sewing and CMT. Many of their trainees, especially women, are victims or care for orphans of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The clothing that Paola was selling at RichMix were made in Malawian sustainable sewing and knitting training schools. Mayamiko aims to create orders for the highly trained graduates to make fashion for the export market. They use ethical labour standards and locally sourced fabrics and materials as well as providing meals, bicycles, childcare and training to TEVETA standards (Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational and Training Authority) for their trainees and graduates.
All proceeds will be reinvested into the production unit in Malawi enabling the project to continue to grow and benefit the local community.

Check out our interview with Paola below:


For more info on Mayamiko Trust Click here.
In particular, if you would like to learn more about their project in Malawi Click here.

vLoS Post Festival Party at Rich Mix London

This months installment of the vinspired Lake of Stars residency at Rich Mix, deemed by many as the post festival party, officially welcomed back those who had been to the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for this years festival.

Put together by Somethinksounds and vinspired volunteer Andy Lemay, the Dj took a fresh take on a night that continues to herald new and exciting music in East London.



With November the 3rd turning out to be as memorable as the 5th annually promises to be, the whole of London went into meltdown as tube strikes brought the city to a halt. Early fears that attendance may have suffered as a result were put to rest were by the Lake of Stars faithful showing up in spite of the calamity.



Phantom, a two-piece dark party machine from London, were the first of the live acts to perform. The duo's innovative and mesmeric electronic sound resonated around Rich Mix. In amongst the live acts Andy Lemay and Eliphino played a spectrum of electronic goodness to entertain the crowd, that was followed by Ahu, her soul-fuelled lyrics gave our audience something to chat about after her dazzling performance.

We even managed to catch up with Ahu afterwards to chat with her about the show, volunteering and Lake of Stars. Check it out below:

vLoS Post Festival Party at Rich Mix London

This months installment of the vinspired Lake of Stars residency at Rich Mix, deemed by many as the post festival party, officially welcomed back those who had been to the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for this years festival.

Put together by Somethinksounds and vinspired volunteer Andy Lemay, the Dj took a fresh take on a night that continues to herald new and exciting music in East London.



With November the 3rd turning out to be as memorable as the 5th annually promises to be, the whole of London went into meltdown as tube strikes brought the city to a halt. Early fears that attendance may have suffered as a result were put to rest were by the Lake of Stars faithful showing up in spite of the calamity.



Phantom, a two-piece dark party machine from London, were the first of the live acts to perform. The duo's innovative and mesmeric electronic sound resonated around Rich Mix. In amongst the live acts Andy Lemay and Eliphino played a spectrum of electronic goodness to entertain the crowd, that was followed by Ahu, her soul-fuelled lyrics gave our audience something to chat about after her dazzling performance.

We even managed to catch up with Ahu afterwards to chat with her about the show, volunteering and Lake of Stars. Check it out below:

Mystical Manchester: Something to Moo about!

Many of you may have wondered… ‘What would happen if one of Manchester’s top club nights were to collaborate with an award-winning Malawian festival?’... Well now we have answer to this much debated question and it arrived in the form of the incredible ‘Farmival’ last Friday.

The weekend saw the Audio Farm collective reunite with Lake of Stars to host an evening that lived up to all the imagined hype and more. Described as a ‘magically mystical fete’ by the mischievous marauders of music, ‘Farmival’ surpassed all expectations of the hotly anticipated partnership.

Taking part across 3 floors, with well over 1000 people in attendance, the club was garnished with crazy décor and mesmeric projections that included life-sized farm animals, tunnels and a chat roulette room connected live to the internet!





The basement was occupied by the Lake of Stars team and an arsenal of extremely vibrant Dj’s, including reunion with the Drop the Mustard boys, who suitably, with the impending fireworks, set the whole night off with a bang! As the music fizzed and sizzled throughout the night, the punters flooded in. Donning a creative assortment of costumes, the Lake of Stars team delved in and out of the crowd, spreading the word about the festival and engaging in a bit of forthcoming banter. Gow’s fusion of house and techno put together big beats and bass lines that continued to get the masses moving.



Meanwhile in the Attic the Audio Farmers were busy kick-starting the shenanigans upstairs, whilst people jumped at the chance to explore the Oxfam fancy dress shop and get their faces painted. They were joined by another Lake of Stars favourite Mr. Paul, and Coley who’s soulful and yet propulsive performance set the scene for Paul Heller, a legend in the House game, to top off the night by setting the dance floor ablaze with beats.



Without a doubt this was a party that was not too miss, with the Audio Farm boys bringing a creative and fresh take on how a club night can – and should – be run!

(All photographs by Josie Hicklin)