EU Bushfire Schools Festival

05/06/2026

🔥E𝗨 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 🔥

What happens when hundreds of young minds gather with creativity, courage and a vision for a better tomorrow? You get a vibrant tapestry of rhythm, colour, movement, imagination and ideas that refuse to stand still.

From marimba melodies and marching bands to spoken word, drama, dance, visual arts, open-mic moments and conversations on sustainability, the EU Bushfire Schools Festival 2026 transformed House on Fire into a living canvas of possibility.

Under the theme Art in Action | Future in the Making, over 600 young Fire Starters reminded us that art is more than expression; it is a catalyst for change, a tool for connection and a spark for the future.

As the echoes of drums fade and the paint dries, what remains are the memories, friendships, lessons, and inspiration carried home by the next generation of artists, leaders, innovators and dreamers.

Because the future isn't waiting; it's already bringing its fire❤️‍🔥.



🎥: Makhulu

28/05/2026

Art in Action: The Future in the Making! Today, the fire belonged to the youth.

Over 600 students from more than 40 schools gathered at the 15th edition of the EU Bushfire Schools Festival, a day where art wasn’t just created, it was lived.

From powerful performances in music, acting, and dance to hands-on workshops and vibrant partner activations, every corner of the festival pulsed with creativity in motion. Young changemakers threw themselves into sessions led by inspiring facilitators, explored new ideas, and discovered how storytelling and self-expression can shape the world around them.

Across the festival grounds, students connected, competed, and most importantly, brought their fire.

Because when the next generation puts art into action, the future isn’t just imagined, it’s made.






📸: Official Festival Photographer, Bram Lammers.

05/05/2026

The 15th EU Bushfire Schools Festival was officially launched today 🔥!

Earlier in the day, we gathered to ignite this year's theme "Art in Action. Future in the Making" and the energy said everything: Mkhondvo Youth Club brought a captivating youth film screening to life, while Setsembiso Sebunye Bahá'í High School had us moving with a vibrant musical performance; The creative spirit of Eswatini's youth was on full display, and we are only just getting started.

Now in its 15th year, the Schools Festival continues to be a space where young people don't just express themselves, they shape conversations, build skills and step boldly into their futures. This year, over 40 schools and youth arts clubs from across all four regions will come together, with more than 600 young people expected on the day.

Mark your calendars, 28 May 2026, House on Fire, Malkerns Valley 📅.

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📸: Daniel Shaq Dlamini

29/04/2026

They took the mic and owned the stage.

Last year's EU Bushfire Schools Festival MC Mentorship programme gave selected young people the chance to learn from professional MCs, build confidence and let their voices be heard. From their first words to commanding the crowd, they showed what's possible when talent meets guidance.

Here are a few reflections on what they took away, proof that mentorship sparks real impact.

Art in Action. The Future in the Making.

17/04/2026

Big ideas need fuel. This year, KFC is helping keep the momentum going by providing meals for students participating in the 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival. When young creatives are nourished, energised and enjoying the moment, they can focus on what matters most; that is creating, collaborating and imagining what comes next 🎭🎨.

08/04/2026

The EU Bushfire Schools Festival MC Mentorship Programme is back! Guided by this year’s theme, “Art in Action. Future in the Making.” this is your opportunity to step forward and actively shape your future through creativity and expression.

If you have a passion for speaking, performing, and connecting with people, this is your moment. This year, professional MCs will mentor two outstanding young people, guiding you to bring your energy, creativity, and voice to the main stage of the EU Bushfire Schools Festival.

We are looking for young people aged 17–24 with strong MC or public speaking potential.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼:
• Complete a short application form 🔗: https://tinyurl.com/2jehwptw
• Submit a short video (maximum 1 minute) showing how you “Bring your Fire,” energy, creativity, and presence.
• You can attach your video to the application or send it via WhatsApp +268 78155725 (Wiseman Masika, Schools Festival Assistant)
• For questions contact Wiseman Masika, Schools Festival Assistant via WhatsApp +268 78155725

𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨: 𝙏𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮, 14 𝘼𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙡 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by: Friday, 17 April 2026
Amplify youth voices, ignite creativity, and put Art in Action on the stage. This is your Future in the Making, and it starts now.

31/03/2026

The invitations have been sent, and forty schools from across Eswatini are preparing to step forward with courage and creativity. The journey begins now.

23/03/2026

And just like that, applications for the 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival have closed! Successful applicants will be notified by 25 March, watch this space.

A big thank you to every school and out-of-school youth club that stepped forward and demonstrated their interest in being part of this year's purpose-driven creative gathering which will unite learners, teachers, facilitators and youth artists under the theme, Art in Action [Future in the Making]. We look forward to exploring your ideas, energy and imagination in your submissions.

09/03/2026

EU Bushfire Schools Festival Application Update | Deadline Extended to 13 March 2026 🔗:
https://www.bush-fire.com/schools-festival/

MTN Bushfire and the European Union in Eswatini are extending the application deadline for the 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival to 13 March 2026 to ensure that all interested schools have the opportunity to submit their applications.

If your school has not yet applied, there is still time to be part of this exciting platform celebrating creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Submit your application here 🔗:
https://www.bush-fire.com/schools-festival/

EU Bushfire Schools Festival Light Your Fire MTN Bushfire strongly advocates for the youth’s early exposure to the arts, encouraging creative self-expression and active participation in their communities. In an exciting development, the European Union (EU) became title sponsor of this youth empowe...

02/03/2026

𝗘𝗨 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🔗: https://www.bush-fire.com/schools-festival/ | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗢𝗻!

Schools and youth groups, this is your moment: It’s the final call! Applications for the EU Bushfire Schools Festival close on 9 March.

If you’re ready to put your Art in Action and be part of the future in the making, now is the time; apply here 🔗: https://bit.ly/EUBushfireSchoolsFestApp2026

EU Bushfire Schools Festival Light Your Fire MTN Bushfire strongly advocates for the youth’s early exposure to the arts, encouraging creative self-expression and active participation in their communities. In an exciting development, the European Union (EU) became title sponsor of this youth empowe...