Festival to light up the Cape

Every year in the first week of December, thousands are treated to a free concert when the city’s festive lights are officially switched on.

Cape Town - The Cape Town CBD will be alive with festivities on Sunday. Every year in the first week of December, thousands are treated to a free celebratory concert when the city’s festive lights are officially switched on as part of the tradition of ushering in the festive season.

The switching on of the lights, at 8.30pm on Sunday at the Grand Parade, will see the city illuminated with an array of bright colours which will beam across the decorated designs bordering the streets.

This year’s festival will also see the crowd being entertained by an exciting music line-up from 4pm till 10pm.

Artists like rapper Cassper Nyovest, three-time Sama winners Mafikizolo, All-Star School Superband, Groove Essentials, artist Jimmy Nevis, award-winning Afrikaans-Sotho singer/rapper Snotkop, electronic jazz fusion hit-makers Goodluck, and the animated comedian, Shimmy Isaacs will be rocking the stage.

Mayor Patricia de Lille said this year’s theme is We love Africa, which is in line with the council’s goal of building an inclusive city as well as its mission to establish Cape Town as the gateway to Africa.

The mayor said she was excited about this year’s event as she would be joined by a group of “special stars”.

Last month, the City started the “We Love Africa – Special Star” competition, where children between the ages of six and 14 were invited to write about why they loved living in Africa.

Four letters were selected and those entrants, plus two children chosen through radio entries, will join the mayor on stage to switch on the festive lights.

De Lille said: “I have been deeply touched by the entries and would like to share some of the children’s words with residents as a reminder that we have so much to celebrate and be grateful for.”

Wanda Tshemese, 12, from Langa said: “What a blessed country. The beauty attracts the tourists to our mountain and Robben Island. I am born in this country. Africa!”

On Sunday, no parking will be available in Darling Street, Adderley Street, Lower Plein Street, Queen Victoria Street, Castle Street and the roads leading off Darling Street during the festival times.

The City has arranged free transport with Metrorail for commuters making their way home after the event.

MyCiTi bus service commuters should note that the buses will be diverted to alternative stations on the day.

Roads temporarily closed on the day include:

* Darling Street – between Buitenkant Street and Adderley Street.

* Parade Street – between Darling Street and Caledon Street.

* Corporation Street – between Darling and Caledon Street.

* Lower Plein Street – between Strand and Darling Street.

* Plein Street – between Darling Street and Longmarket Street.

* Parliament Street – between Darling Street and Longmarket.

* Adderley Street – between Strand Street and Bureau Street.

* Castle Street – between Lower Plein Street and Buitenkant Street.

* Castle Street – between Adderley Street and Burg Street.

Cape Argus

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