The beachfront will be abuzz with activity this week as the final preparations are completed for the start of the SPAR Delight in Summer festival in Port Elizabeth.
From the Opening of the Season on Friday to twin New Year’s Eve celebrations at Hobie Beach and Wells Estate on December 31, holiday-makers will be entertained by a wide variety of local and national musicians.
SPAR Eastern Cape’s Advertising and Promotions Controller Roseann Shadrach said they were delighted to be on board with this programme.
“We love our city and we believe that we have a social responsibility in contributing to initiatives like the SPAR Delight in Summer festival to help promote our region,” she said.
“It is our first association with the festival and we are really excited with the offering.”
She said they were particularly proud of the Blue Flag status for King’s Beach, Humewood Beach and Wells Estate.
“We would like to invite those from near and far to sample our wonderful city this summer season.”
Event organiser Darren Mungur of Soul Good said everything was on track for a bumper period of festivities.
“It will all kick off at 4pm on Friday when the official Opening of the Season is held at Hobie Beach,” said Mungur.
“With a concert involving several bands and a fireworks display, we are expecting a massive attendance and will have traffic officials in place to control the traffic.”
Thereafter, Port Elizabeth-born artist Vusi Nova will headline the Sizzling Sessions evening at Tramways on December 21, supported by a number of bands and artists.
The next day festival-lovers will get the chance for an open-air session in Happy Valley, with Carols by Candlelight being followed by two movies under the stars.
There will be a family day at the Springs Fiesta in Uitenhage where Idols celebrity Bevin Samuels is set to wow the crowd on December 27, followed by The Summer Sundowner concert at Hobie Beach two days later.
“Party-goers can enjoy cocktails and a moment to relax at the seaside while being entertained by a number of quality artists,” said Mungur.
He said it would all end with a bang on New Year’s Eve when celebrations would take place at Hobie Beach and Wells Estate from 4pm.
“Freshly Ground will be one of the headline acts and the new year will be ushered in with a fireworks display at midnight,” he said.
The programme is:
December 16: Opening of the Season (Hobie Beach; 4pm)
December 21: Sizzling Sessions (Tramways; 6pm)
December 22: Outdoor cinema and Carols by Candlelight (Happy Valley; 5pm)
December 27: Springs Fiesta (Springs Resort; Uitenhage; 1pm)
December 29: The Summer Sundowner (Hobie Beach; 5pm)
December 31: New Year’s Eve celebrations (Hobie Beach and Wells Estate; 4pm)
