Family festival turns 10

Mitchells Plain event showcases positivity of communities

IT’S go big or go home with the DStv Mitchells Plain Festival this year, which celebrates 10 years of sharing festivities, fun and talent with the Mitchells Plain community in Westridge Gardens.

This year’s event is pulling out all the stops with music greats such as Judy Boucher and Sybil lined up to entertain the plain, as well as some of the country’s finest artists and performers who will share three stages.

For those feeling adventurous, a fully-fledged amusement park will be open with rides for the young and young at heart and more than 150 local and national exhibitors will offer a variety of food, fashion and services for avid shopaholics.

More than 40 000 people are expected and security has been prioritised to ensure that the entire family can relax and enjoy the festival that’s bound to can kick off the festive period in a safe and relaxed manner.

“This festival is about creating a platform to bring the people together, not only Mitchells Plain, but from areas across the Cape Flats and the Western Cape. It aims to celebrate progress and positivity coming out of our communities,” said festival founder and director Rozario Brown.

“We want to show South Africa that Mitchells Plain has amazing talent. We are particularly excited about the massive air shows and the biker shows that we have added to this year’s event,” said Brown.

She said apart from the entertainment and prizes up for grabs, the event served as a platform for local artists across the Cape Flats to expand their careers in entertainment, as well as providing temporary jobs for many.

She said the event creates more than 1 500 part-time job and informs locals about career opportunities in the stands showcasing the army, navy, air force and medical services.

“We need to use these types of platforms to heighten awareness around the high number of suicides being committed due to bullying at schools and workplaces.

“The festival is a powerful tool in terms of nation building, social cohesion and the fight against racism and xenophobia,” said Brown.

She said for the seventh year, the festival was sponsoring Heinz Park Primary School’s annual prom for Grade 7s in a bid to encourage pupils to stay at school.

Brown said 25% of attendees including pensioners, the physically disabled and children under the age of 6 would be able to access the festival for free on November 30 and December 1.

A fee of R50 will be charged for those 13 and older, and children aged 6 to 12 will pay R30.

On December 2, when Sybil and Judy Boucher perform, children aged 6 to 12 will pay R60 and those 13 and older will pay R150 to enter.

For information, visit www.mitchellsplainfestival.com, go to the Mitchells Plain Festival Facebook page, or call 021 391 0140 or 071 266 6160.