The gardens of Sheraton Kampala Hotel were transformed into a lively outdoor gathering on Sunday as the Old School Picnic marked its first anniversary with an afternoon of music, food and socialising.
By midday, people had started arriving with picnic mats, finding spaces on the grass as groups of friends settled in for an afternoon built around RnB, soul and Ugandan music.
The event, which has spent the past year bringing music lovers together, offered a nostalgic trip through songs that shaped different generations.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
However, the celebration was not limited to those who grew up listening to the music.
A notable presence at the event was the number of Gen Z revellers who sang along to several of the old-school hits, demonstrating that the music continues to appeal beyond the generation in which it was produced.
As familiar songs played, young and older revellers could be seen singing the same lyrics, dancing and sharing the experience, creating a gathering where age appeared less important than a shared appreciation of music.
For Nakazzi Gloria, a regular Old School Picnic attendee, the event has become a place to unwind, catch up with friends and create special moments.
"I love anything that has to do with old-school music. Something about songs that aren't from this era just gets me. These events are nice because it feels like a society of free souls who have moved back in time. It is pure nostalgia," she said.
The atmosphere became more energetic as the performances got underway, with the audience joining in on familiar songs and turning several performances into large singalongs.
Live performances from Myko Ouma, Jose Sax and Lillian Mbabazi provided some of the afternoon's major highlights.
Ouma performed alongside his musicians, while Mbabazi delivered a set that had the audience singing along to several of her familiar songs.
The DJs, DJ Ssese and DJ Cacie, kept the music flowing throughout the afternoon, while Ms Deedan maintained the energy on the microphone.
Away from the stage, the picnic maintained its relaxed character, with friends sitting on mats, sharing food and drinks and catching up as the music played.
The event also attracted brand partnerships, with Baileys joining the anniversary celebration.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Baileys Brand Manager Nancy Nansikombi said the event provided an opportunity for people to reconnect and enjoy time together.
"The Old School Picnic is really about creating those moments where people can come together, reconnect and simply enjoy themselves. Seeing the energy, the friendships and the different generations enjoying the music together made the anniversary very special for us. Baileys was proud to be part of a celebration that was all about enjoying the moment and creating memories," she said.
Tusker Cider also joined the celebration, adding to the food, music and social experience of the outdoor gathering.
Tusker Cider Brand Manager Sandra Againe said the sense of community was among the aspects that stood out during the event.
"What stood out for us was the energy and how naturally people connected with the experience. From the people arriving with their mats to the singing, dancing and conversations throughout the afternoon, it really felt like a community coming together. Tusker Cider is about refreshing, social moments, and the Old School Picnic gave us the perfect space to be part of those moments," she said.
One year after its launch, the Old School Picnic appears to have established itself as more than an event for people seeking nostalgia.
Its first anniversary brought together different generations around music that continues to find new listeners, reinforcing the idea that while musical tastes and generations may change, good music can remain relevant for years.
