. Winter — Merry-makers and events managers’ dull season

Merry-makers in Zimbabwe are very particular about new seasons.

Most make sure they are not caught off guard.

As seasons change, taking precautions becomes a prerequisite.

Summer time is, without doubt, the fun-loving people’s favourite period.

When the rainy season arrives, the fun continues — but with caution and due care.

However, the winter season that is upon us is known to be harsh.

In places where temperatures drop noticeably, people may stay indoors more often, which can reduce outdoor social life and activities. As a result, the season can feel dull and less comfortable for those who spend time outdoors.

Locally, indoor entertainment becomes a priority during this time. Event managers, bar and restaurant owners, and entertainers are taking winter seriously, fearing that customers may choose to stay at home. In most venues that prioritise the welfare of patrons, however, business will continue as usual.

During winter, demand for heaters and warm clothing increases in both high-density and affluent communities. With the focus largely on entertainment and other indoor activities, winter is not for the faint-hearted — it is for the brave. Whether temperatures fall or not, fun should not stop, because it helps ease merry-makers’ sorrows.

Enterprises in both the formal and informal sectors fully utilise the season to their advantage. They can explore new opportunities for generating income by staying engaged with their customers. The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle spoke with several events planners, merry-makers, and entrepreneurs who agreed that winter is a tricky season.

A popular events management guru and entrepreneur, who preferred anonymity said winter requires proper strategy.

“Winter is a tricky season where one needs to devise special means to attract people since they prefer partying indoors,” said the events planner.

“As an events planner and restaurant owner, I would advise my peers to make sure that patrons are kept warm by providing heaters. It’s unnecessary to take a gamble by holding events in open-air venues, exposing fans to the cold.”

Added the planner: “I will be holding shows when it is ideal, and I will make sure that my guests are all safe from the cold. I won’t take a gamble.

Popular hypeman Arnold “DJ Fantan” Kamudyariwa, who leads Chillspot Family, together with Rodger Kadzimwe, also known as DJ Levels, believes that fun should continue in winter.

“People need fun, but we should make sure that they are safe from all weather conditions,” he said.

“In our case, we run a number of weekly events, including China Chemadzimai, but we always advise our clients to keep themselves warm. Management at the venue has also provided the necessary equipment to ensure our fans are not affected by the cold. There are tents and heaters that protect them, and this has been the norm elsewhere.”

DJ Fantan also noted that it is up to events planners and venue owners to put their houses in order so that business continues.

“The ball is in their court to make sure they prepare for each season and not only winter,” he remarked.

Award-winning entertainment consultant and events planner Dee Nosh — real name Kudzaishe Matondo — said they are treading carefully each winter. Known for hosting a series of shows almost every week, Dee Nosh revealed their approach, which they have been implementing for four consecutive years.

“To us, it’s all the same over the years: we hold fewer shows to avoid competition,” Dee Nosh said. We will then hold a series of regular shows after winter, and thereafter we return to our regular routine of holding shows. We are not taking any gamble because the weather can be unpredictable, and it is always my wish to make sure we deliver to our best.”

Unlike many of these critics, Harare-based entertainment consultant and hospitality guru Mathias Bangure said they were not stopping events.

“The music continues at our place, and we have put in place all the measures to ensure that we continue catering for our patrons,” Bangure said.

“It’s a fact that people will need fun every day, and weather should not stop us from catering for our customers.”

However, some revellers do not believe that winter is a dull season.

“Sometimes what people describe as dull isn’t the season itself, but poverty of leisure, limited infrastructure, or safety concerns that become more noticeable during bad weather. As such, partying must not be restricted to the weather — fun is needed every day,” said Patrick Munemo.

In Zimbabwe, winter also comes with demands in terms of clothing. It has been noted that popular items for this season include tailored trench coats, puffy anoraks, chunky knit sweaters, turtlenecks, and fleece mid-layers.

There are also tips to observe this winter to ensure that your skin remains healthy. If your skin does not protect itself properly, you should use products containing skin-repairing ingredients that prevent moisture loss and support the skin’s natural ability to stay smooth, glowing, and soft. To win the battle winter weather can wage against your skin, you must put back what it is missing: antioxidants, skin-repairing ingredients, and cell-communicating ingredients contained in well-formulated products.

Ultimately, winter is not for the faint-hearted when it comes to planning. While events are the main focus, it is also advisable for people to take good care of themselves. Events often depend on the weather — if it discourages gatherings, sports, markets, or long walks, social life may slow down. This is the situation Zimbabweans face.

Whether we like it or not, winter can be a dull season for merry-makers in Zimbabwe who are caught off guard. For event managers and venue owners who plan well, however, winter can become a money-spinning season for those who remain alert.

After all has been said, winter in Zimbabwe may bring cold temperatures and fewer outdoor activities, but it also opens opportunities for innovation, smart event planning, and better customer care.

When venue owners prepare with the right heating, shelters, and safety measures, winter becomes less of a challenge and more of a chance to keep the country entertained.

After all, fun should not wait for warmer days — it should be sustained through careful planning and resilience. *_-Herald_*