Cape Town’s largest and most inclusive free festive celebration, the annual Festival of Lights, takes place this Sunday, 6 December, from 16h00 till 22h00 on the Grand Parade. This year the theme is “We love Africa”, in line with the City’s goal to build an inclusive city and its mission to establish Cape Town as the gateway to Africa.
Says Executive Mayor Alderman Patricia de Lille: “At 20h30, I will flip the switch to light up the streets with a colourful display of motifs. I am especially excited about this year’s event as I will be joined by a group of ‘special stars’. Last month, we opened the ‘We Love Africa – Special Star’ competition, inviting children between the ages of 6 and 14 to write in and tell us why they love living in Africa.
“Our four special stars have been randomly selected from the written entries and they will join me on stage to officially switch on the festive lights. Two children have also been selected through radio entries. 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!”
Sherelle Myburgh, 13, from Bellville said: “Ek hou daarvan om in Afrika te woon met ons mooi land, see, berge, damme en die diere van die groot vyf. Ek sal nooit weg gaan uit die land nie en ek glo dat die probleme uitgesorteer sal word en ons sal saamleef as een groot liefdevolle reenboog nasie.”
The crowd will be entertained with a free concert featuring some of the country’s top artists, including three-time SAMA winners Mafikizolo, Cape Town’s very own pop sensation Jimmy Nevis, and the animated and highly entertaining comedian Shimmy Isaacs.
Says Tasso Evangelinos, COO of the CCID: “Vibrant public spaces are essential components of a thriving CBD, and we always welcome the free City events and performers that bring thousands of people together in these spaces in the heart of Cape Town.”
All streets leading off Darling Street will be closed from 10h00 until midnight on the day. Below is a list of the roads that will be temporarily closed until midnight on 6 December 2015:
There will be no access for buses and taxis into Adderley Street.
Parking
No parking will be permitted in Darling Street, Adderley Street, Lower Plein Street, Queen Victoria Street, Castle Street and the roads leading off Darling Street during this time.
Free transport
The City has arranged free transport with Metrorail for commuters making their way home after the event:
- Train 0651: from Cape Town to Retreat (via the Cape Flats) will depart at 23h00 from Platform 14 and stop at all stations along the way.
- Train 9587: from Cape Town to Kapteinsklip (via Pinelands) will depart at 23h00 from Platform 18 and stop at all stations along the way.
Commuters who make use of the MyCiTi bus service must please note that the buses will be diverted to alternative stations on the event day. Normal fare charges will apply.
For further information on any of the abovementioned arrangements, residents should please contact the City as follows:
- Call the Transport Information Centre: 0800 65 64 63
- Keep up to date via Twitter: @CityofCT
- Visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CityofCT
Pictured: The Festival of Lights annually draws thousands of visitors to the Cape Town CBD’s streets.