The 18th edition of the Annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival (LCF) to be hosted from 29 April to 5 May, will be an event to remember. As its name implies, the iconic festival celebrates the renowned rock lobster (crayfish), a delicacy which has become synonymous with the harbour town, its rich cultural diversity, the entrepreneurial spirit of the residents, and unique tourism offerings of Lüderitz and the broader ||Kharas Region.
Proven track record
The 2024 event was a great success. It attracted approximately 5,000 attendees with a total of 30 exhibition stalls, along with 80 additional SME spaces that showcased a diverse range of products and services. The organizers are optimistic about achieving an even larger turnout this year, thanks to improved marketing efforts and the involvement of more prominent exhibitors. This combination is expected to create a lively and engaging atmosphere fostering valuable networking opportunities within the local business community.
Buchter hospitality
Hosting more visitors however poses a headache. “Adequate accommodation may be a challenge. Once we sort out our limitations in terms of logistical arrangements and accommodation, the opportunities for growth will be limitless. Those that want to attend should have made their bookings already. Anyone still looking for accommodation can contact Victoria De Klerk (081 288 2011). We also appealed to the community to avail accommodation for visitors and to show our Buchter hospitality,” said Alex Gawanab, the Chairman of the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival (LCF) Board of Trustees.
Origins, mission and spinoffs
The idea aimed at serving the development of the harbour town through the provision of opportunities for its people was born in 2008. The festival started off very small; it has consistently grown over the years and continues to serve as a platform to promote economic growth, local talent, and investment opportunities, all while fostering community unity. “The hospitality and retail sectors experience significant benefits due to the influx of visitors and corporate vendors attending the event. This increased activity positively impacts various local businesses, including establishments offering accommodation, restaurants, shops, and service stations,” emphasised Gawanab.
Getting it right
He confirmed that an amount of N$734,600 was pledged at the gala dinner held on 7 March this year, with N$428,000 raised thus far. “All vendors for the designated events, selected through a published expression of interest, have been chosen and issued relevant service level agreements. This ensures that the quality of the festival is maintained and that full compliance with the rules and regulations established by the LCFT is upheld, allowing for the safe and enjoyable participation of all local, national, and foreign attendees,” he explained
Partnerships
Gawanab assured that the 2025 LCF will present an outstanding and significantly enhanced programme of events, introducing exciting new activities alongside improved offerings. “The LCFT joined forces with Namport and Nedbank to bring cycling, running and BMX races with the aim to get more kids involved and attract more people to Lüderitz. This initiative is strategically designed to captivate attendees, drive greater participation, and elevate enjoyment, all while upholding the exceptional standards that the festival is known for each year,” he explained. The Expo will showcase exciting products and services from various vendors. Visitors can also indulge in a Seafood Extravaganza and enjoy live performances while a Kiddies Park will ensure that younger guests have their share of fun.
Action packed itinerary
The festival will commence with the Miss Crayfish Festival Pageant at the Multipurpose Hall, Old Power Station on 25 April 2025. This will be followed by an array of events including a series of Beach Parties at Aeroplane Beach for the duration of the festival and a Gospel Show on 27 April. The door opens for the Expo Corporate Exhibition and SMEs at the Waterfront Harbour Square on 29 April. Business professionals can engage at the Business Conference in the Lüderitz Waterfront Auditorium and Networking Cocktail Dinner on 30 April 2025. The official opening is slated for 1 May at the Lüderitz Waterfront Auditorium and will be preceded by a parade from the Old Power Station. This will be followed by the commemoration of Workers Day at the Lüderitz Sports Stadium. Renowned South African artist Murumba Pitch will take centre stage at the Music Bash on 3 May 2025 (20:00), to be hosted at the Lüderitz Sports Stadium.
Sports enthusiasts and festival attendees will also enjoy a wide variety of activities. The Namport Nedbank Powerhouse BMX Racing, Cycling and Mountain Bike Challenges taking place from 2 - 4 May will deliver an epic showdown of speed, stamina and strength for sport enthusiasts right in the heart of the coastal town. The highly anticipated Spin Fest, will take place on Sunday, 4 May 2025, at the Old Golf Course with some of the most skilled spinners from across the country joining forces for a day filled with high-speed action, impressive stunts, and unmatched entertainment for the whole family. The expo will conclude with the Exhibitor Award Ceremony and the final Beach Party at Aeroplane Bay on 5 May.
Proven track record
The 2024 event was a great success. It attracted approximately 5,000 attendees with a total of 30 exhibition stalls, along with 80 additional SME spaces that showcased a diverse range of products and services. The organizers are optimistic about achieving an even larger turnout this year, thanks to improved marketing efforts and the involvement of more prominent exhibitors. This combination is expected to create a lively and engaging atmosphere fostering valuable networking opportunities within the local business community.
Buchter hospitality
Hosting more visitors however poses a headache. “Adequate accommodation may be a challenge. Once we sort out our limitations in terms of logistical arrangements and accommodation, the opportunities for growth will be limitless. Those that want to attend should have made their bookings already. Anyone still looking for accommodation can contact Victoria De Klerk (081 288 2011). We also appealed to the community to avail accommodation for visitors and to show our Buchter hospitality,” said Alex Gawanab, the Chairman of the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival (LCF) Board of Trustees.
Origins, mission and spinoffs
The idea aimed at serving the development of the harbour town through the provision of opportunities for its people was born in 2008. The festival started off very small; it has consistently grown over the years and continues to serve as a platform to promote economic growth, local talent, and investment opportunities, all while fostering community unity. “The hospitality and retail sectors experience significant benefits due to the influx of visitors and corporate vendors attending the event. This increased activity positively impacts various local businesses, including establishments offering accommodation, restaurants, shops, and service stations,” emphasised Gawanab.
Getting it right
He confirmed that an amount of N$734,600 was pledged at the gala dinner held on 7 March this year, with N$428,000 raised thus far. “All vendors for the designated events, selected through a published expression of interest, have been chosen and issued relevant service level agreements. This ensures that the quality of the festival is maintained and that full compliance with the rules and regulations established by the LCFT is upheld, allowing for the safe and enjoyable participation of all local, national, and foreign attendees,” he explained
Partnerships
Gawanab assured that the 2025 LCF will present an outstanding and significantly enhanced programme of events, introducing exciting new activities alongside improved offerings. “The LCFT joined forces with Namport and Nedbank to bring cycling, running and BMX races with the aim to get more kids involved and attract more people to Lüderitz. This initiative is strategically designed to captivate attendees, drive greater participation, and elevate enjoyment, all while upholding the exceptional standards that the festival is known for each year,” he explained. The Expo will showcase exciting products and services from various vendors. Visitors can also indulge in a Seafood Extravaganza and enjoy live performances while a Kiddies Park will ensure that younger guests have their share of fun.
Action packed itinerary
The festival will commence with the Miss Crayfish Festival Pageant at the Multipurpose Hall, Old Power Station on 25 April 2025. This will be followed by an array of events including a series of Beach Parties at Aeroplane Beach for the duration of the festival and a Gospel Show on 27 April. The door opens for the Expo Corporate Exhibition and SMEs at the Waterfront Harbour Square on 29 April. Business professionals can engage at the Business Conference in the Lüderitz Waterfront Auditorium and Networking Cocktail Dinner on 30 April 2025. The official opening is slated for 1 May at the Lüderitz Waterfront Auditorium and will be preceded by a parade from the Old Power Station. This will be followed by the commemoration of Workers Day at the Lüderitz Sports Stadium. Renowned South African artist Murumba Pitch will take centre stage at the Music Bash on 3 May 2025 (20:00), to be hosted at the Lüderitz Sports Stadium.
Sports enthusiasts and festival attendees will also enjoy a wide variety of activities. The Namport Nedbank Powerhouse BMX Racing, Cycling and Mountain Bike Challenges taking place from 2 - 4 May will deliver an epic showdown of speed, stamina and strength for sport enthusiasts right in the heart of the coastal town. The highly anticipated Spin Fest, will take place on Sunday, 4 May 2025, at the Old Golf Course with some of the most skilled spinners from across the country joining forces for a day filled with high-speed action, impressive stunts, and unmatched entertainment for the whole family. The expo will conclude with the Exhibitor Award Ceremony and the final Beach Party at Aeroplane Bay on 5 May.
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