Dalene Kooper
Preparations for this year’s highly anticipated 19th annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival are in full swing.
This was confirmed by festival trust chairperson Victoria De Klerk, who assured a fun and entertaining event.
It will take place at the Old Power Station in Lüderitz.
“Preparations are progressing well. Festival goers can expect an unforgettable experience that blends tradition with high-octane entertainment. While the festival remains a heritage of our culture, the 2026 edition will reflect Lüderitz’s emerging status as a global energy hub,” De Klerk said.
This year’s festival is held under the theme ‘Crayfish & Currents: Where Heritage Meets Innovation’, reflecting Lüderitz’s evolving identity. “This theme perfectly captures our duality. ‘Crayfish’ represents our deep-rooted maritime history, while ‘Currents’ symbolises the new wave of sustainable energy and economic innovation flowing into our town,” De Klerk said. She promised a seafood galore for the attendees, an abundance of crayfish and local delicacies showcasing the maritime culture of Lüderitz. The public can expect a full line-up of entertainment, including musical performances and a beauty pageant.
“The entertainment line-up promises something for everyone, including the ever-popular Beach Bash, the highly anticipated Music Bash and the glamorous Miss Crayfish pageant, which kicks off the festivities,” the organiser said. Adrenaline seekers are also catered for, with the motor sport spinning event expected to draw large crowds once again.
“The motor sport spinning event is always a crowd favourite,” De Klerk said.
Furthermore, visitors can explore a bustling small and medium enterprise market, while the business conference will provide a platform for networking and engagement with industry leaders and stakeholders.
De Klerk added that local service providers are being prioritised to ensure the community remains at the centre of the festival’s economic benefits. The festival is scheduled to run from 28 April to 3 May, with activities starting earlier on 24 April. The event will start off with a beauty pageant, followed by exhibitions and a beach party before the official opening ceremony on the first of May 2026.
The chairperson extended an open invitation to both Namibians and international visitors to experience the unique atmosphere of the event. The hosting of the festival is further supported by key partners, including Standard Bank Namibia as the main sponsor and MTC Namibia as the corporate sponsor.
“With the support of our sponsors, we have the financial momentum needed to deliver a high-quality event,” De Klerk noted.