Mitchells Plain festival pictures
‘Nine years on and we are overwhelmed by the attendance figures’
FOR the ninth year in a row, the Mitchells Plain festival saw 40 000 residents come out to enjoy a day of family fun with the country’s top live music, dance acts and exhibitions by small business owners.
This year the event coincided with the 41st anniversary of the founding of Mitchells Plain.
Festival promoter Rozario Brown said: “Nine years on and we are overwhelmed by the attendance figures, the community support and their contributions to the growth of the festival.
“This year’s event was even more significant to us as we attempt to have more than 2 500 people tested for HIV/Aids, diabetes and other medical conditions – completely free of charge!
“It’s the first time that the festival falls over the World Aids Day weekend, and we believe this festival has a vital role in educating, entertaining and uniting our people against various social issues affecting us.”
More than 50 popular DJs, artists and entertainers entertained the crowds across two stages.
A festival highlight was an energetic performance by local rapper YoungstaCPT, who took the crowd by storm, followed by more of Cape Town’s top musical acts, including N2 Jazz Band, Salome, DJ Portia and Afrikaans Ruk.
“I was there supporting YoungstaCPT, the best rapper in South Africa,” said festival-goer Waylyn Abrahams.
Festival-goers could check out a variety of stalls from DIY to home decorations and renovations, a kiddie’s corner, travel, health, fashion and beauty, as well as a variety of food and catering.
Stephanie Myburgh said it had been her fourth time attending.
“The festival is so exciting,” she said.
There were also free gifts and prizes up for grabs, including hotel breaks, air flights, shopping vouchers and a trip on the Blue Train.
Some of the biggest festival attractions included a car show, where young people had the opportunity to show off their modified wheels; and two fascinating air shows by the SA Air Force.
Local radio station Heart FM broadcast five shows live from the festival.
The South African National Defence Force had the SA Army, SA Navy, SA Air Force, SA Signal Service, SA Military Police and SA Medical Services participating in one of the biggest military displays in the Western Cape.
This while the City of Cape Town’s Safety Directorate, including traffic, law enforcement, metro police and fire and rescue services, also had a major exhibition at the festival, encouraging people to participate in the City of Cape Town’s massive water-saving awareness campaign.
Through the support of those who attended the event, the DStv Mitchells Plain Festival will be the sole sponsor of the annual Heinz Park Primary School Prom.