The fest that is Roast & Rhyme returned for its fifth edition on Sunday at Jahazi Pier, Munyonyo, on the outskirts of Kampala, attracting hordes of party-loving animals.

Dressed in a kaleidoscope of picnic-themed outfits, some revelers who got the memo pitched in the roast area, planted their taut barbecues and slipped pieces of big meats along the wires until they were over the fire.

Those that had not got the memo were treated to flames licking up the huge pieces of meat, juices dropping in the fire and shooting up spurts of flames. 

After all that is the essence of attending the event, right?

But they were not left out, as they laid their picnic mats and plastic seats on the venues turf and absorbed the proceedings, under the flaring afternoon sun. Kids dashed to the bouncing castles and left their mums and dads to loosen up…just a little bit.

This Bell Lager sponsored event organised by Swangz Avenue on a quarterly basis is fast becoming the best picnic fest in town, firstly, because it is held by the shores of Lake Victoria creating a beach-like atmosphere and, secondly, because their musical themes are quite solid.

Sunday's theme was soul on strings and attendees were treated to electrifying performances from soulful artistes such as Mercy Bero, Giovanni Kiyingi, Bruno K, Myko Ouma, Janzi Band, Maurice Kirya and veteran musician Kabuye Semboga.

For an upcoming singer like Bero to confidently put her vocal prowess on display as she did on Sunday was something worth noting.

Save for the terrible microphones used the whole evening, musicians energetically delivered their bit.

They were impressive and engaged their audience.

And then as is the norm, when darkness creeps in, those with kids take them back home because they are fully aware the party matures in darkness. That is how it went on Sunday.