Mauritian Open Air Festival 2012

The biggest celebration of Mauritian culture in Europe returns, with confirmation of the 2012 Mauritian Open Air Festival this summer. Now in its fourth year, and having gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2008, this year’s event will be the biggest yet.
Marking the high point of the summer party season, the Mauritian Open Air Festival will take place on Sunday 26th August, falling on the August Bank Holiday weekend, and providing the perfect end to the summer holidays. As in previous years, the event will be held at Down Lane Park located in the heart of North London’s Mauritian community.

The festival offers visitors a wonderful glimpse of the party atmosphere that Mauritians are so famous for, with a heavy mix of freshly prepared traditional cuisine, popular Mauritian drinks and a host of performances from some of the biggest names in Mauritian music and entertainment. There is also a huge fun fair running all day long, making this the perfect event for the entire family.
Last year’s line-up is testament to the quality of performer that the show attracts. Alain Ramansium, a veritable living legend in Mauritian circles, was joined by his wife, Laura Beg on stage for a very rare and very special UK performance. Reflecting on 2011, Alain had this to say:
“It feels like I am back home in Mauritius! I feel really emotional. I’m very proud to see so many people from the Mauritian community here and people from all over the world.”

Other performers included top urban DJs CLK, Vish and Masta G, girl group Serese and the Sega Troupe “Jalsa Des Iles” showcasing Mauritius’ famous musical style.

Popular London eateries Chez Liline and Mauritius Paradise, as well as bar/club hotspot, Port Louis Bar were on hand to keep festivalgoers well-fed and topped up with the very best of Mauritian food and drink. And there was also a wide array of Mauritian businesses and charities exhibiting.
Over 10,000 people attended last year’s event – a simply phenomenal number for a one-day celebration – and this year’s figure promises to be even bigger. The festival’s organisers had this to say to everyone planning to attend this year:

“We are looking forward to this year’s Festival. Year after year we have strived to push the boundaries and attract the biggest names to Europe’s biggest Mauritian Festival. We will continue to work hard to ensure that we meet your expectations and our own high standards. We look forward to seeing you all at MOAF 2012. A bientot….”

Notes to editors
There are approximately 47,000 people of Mauritian descent living in and around the London area, according to a 2010 Office of National Statistics estimate.
Down Lane Recreation Ground is situated between two residential roads – Park View and Ashley Road – in Tottenham Hale, North London. It comprises a large area of sports fields, which make the ideal location for large-scale events.
Getting there – Parking is free on the surrounding streets but there is no guarantee of the availability of spaces. Down Lane Park is a short walk from Tottenham Hale Station, and easily accessible by tube or train.Buy your tickets in advance. The queues to gain entry to the Festival are famous for being huge on the day. Avoid the queues and make sure you don’t miss any of the acts.Mauritian Open Air Festival, Sunday 26h August 2012 from 12pm. Ticket prices: £5 Adults, Children under 5: Free. Down Lane ParkPark View RoadN17 9EY