Grand Palm launches 30-year celebrations with Gin experience
Staff Writer | Wednesday April 1, 2026 06:00
As part of the hotel’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the festival marked the first of three planned instalments, setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable series of events. This year’s edition saw a notable change in venue, moving from the usual poolside setting to the elegant glass marquee, a shift that appeared to be well received by patrons. Despite the change in location, the atmosphere remained lively and vibrant with guests turning up in impressive numbers to enjoy an afternoon and evening dedicated to fine gin, music and fashion.
The festivities began with a tasting session that gave patrons an opportunity to sample a variety of gin brands on offer. Upon arrival, guests were handed tasting coupons, allowing them to move from stand to stand, exploring different flavours and blends from the showcased collections. The tasting experience quickly became one of the highlights of the day, with many guests taking time to compare notes and discover new favourites. The event’s social appeal was equally evident, with patrons, largely dominated by women, embracing the occasion in full glamour. Dressed to the nines, attendees arrived in stylish ensembles that added colour and sophistication to the glass marquee, turning the festival into a showcase of both fashion and leisure.
Entertainment was another major drawcard, with a strong line-up of local DJs keeping the energy levels high throughout the event. DJ Quest, Casper the DJ and Max C wa Bana took turns behind the decks, delivering an upbeat mix that kept revellers on their feet and the dance floor alive well into the evening. From smooth gin tastings to pulsating music and a fashionable crowd, the festival once again lived up to its reputation as a sought-after social event on Gaborone’s entertainment calendar. For Grand Palm, the successful turnout reaffirmed the festival’s growing popularity among lifestyle enthusiasts and socialites alike. The move to the glass marquee also demonstrated the venue’s ability to reinvent the experience while maintaining the essence that has made the event a crowd favourite. Grand Palm is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.