Berlin blasts to top of fashion agenda
‘I thought it would just be horse racing with a massive afterparty’ Festive season kicks off as KWT is lit up
THUNDERING hooves and live music belting out in a wonderland of fabulous vintage outfits, killer heels and eye-popping hats!
This was the annual Berlin November traditional horse racing extravaganza on Saturday. An estimated 40 000 racers and revellers descended on a corporate tent village and the rough-and-tough race track to soak it all up.
The much-anticipated national horse racing event, now in its third year, is growing with more than 100 horses competing for a mountainous R550 000 purse.
Entertainment was in abundance for children and adults throughout the day with traditional dancers, performers and musicians.
Hundreds of spectators from outside the showgrounds looked down from the rails near along the N2 to catch a glimpse of what was keeping the small town abuzz.
Cars surrounded the showgrounds for hundreds of metres, possibly making a one kilometre circumference.
Popular music artists KO, DJ Bongs and Vusi Nova wowed the crowds as they performed on a number of performance stages dotted throughout the show grounds.
Local artists like Young Reez, Cooley S, Pandora Tonic and others all had their chance to shine.
Buffalo City Metro local enterprise development manager Xolelwa Majiza said there was an underlying story to the event in that it offered many job opportunities for hundreds of metro people.
“The platform helps many small to medium enterprises get exposure and it creates employment for the people of the metro.
“In its third year the Berlin November has grown a lot and has become the place to be for small businesses who are trying to raise awareness about the products or services they have on offer.
“Crafters, designers, make-up artists and 15 food vendors registered to make use of the opportunity to have a stall in our marquees, where they offered their services or sold products to develop their businesses.
“This was not just about selling and making money – it was also a perfect way to advertise businesses and grow a customer base,” said Majiza.
Walter Sisulu University fashion coordinator Sibusisiwe Nodada said six designers from the province were given a brief LIGHTS and fireworks at the King William’s Town botanical gardens on Friday evening marked the official start of Buffalo City Metro’s festive season.
Hundreds flocked to the traditional ceremony which takes place every year between the last week of November and first week of December.
King William’s Town’s night sky was alive with colourful fireworks and then the city’s festive season lights were switched on, bringing fun and cheer to the centre of the small town.
Residents from surrounding areas came out in numbers to witness the spectacle. to design items that would depict the culture of the event’s hometown.
Nodada said: “Designers were mandated to archive and document the heritage and culture of the province and they drew inspiration from paintings and sculptors made by other artists.
“This was also a wonderful time for them to upskill themselves by making use of the opportunities available.”
Khunjulwa Diko, who attended the glitzy event for the first time, said it was like nothing she imagined.
“I thought it would just be a horse racing
Thandisizwe Maphukhata, from Dimbaza, said he had completed his school exams on Friday and saw this as a great opportunity to celebrate.
“The vibe of this place is just what I needed to feel free and have fun after weeks of stressing throughout my exams. “This really sets the tone for me,” he said. Lunga Botha from Mnqeshe said he always admired the art behind the switching on of the lights and made plans to never miss the occasion, both in King William’s Town and East London.
“And I’m fascinated about the science behind how the fireworks work. It’s just so awesome.”
Botha, however, did not enjoy being stuck in event with a massive afterparty. I was surprised to see so many things running concurrently. Now I get what the fuss is about. People are spoiled for choice,” she said.
Event founder Luthando Bara said: “We are very encouraged by the growth of the event from 10 000 people to a record 40 000 this year. This has exceeded our wildest expectations.
“The popularity of traditional horse racing in the Eastern Cape has been been proven. Berlin November is indeed South Africa’s premier traditional horse race.
“The beneficiaries are the horse owners and jockeys. Horses came from the kingdom of Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal Northern Cape and Free state.” a crowd.
“I like to stand at a distance and watch, although my children always want to be among the crowds. I guess it’s free entertainment for them,” he said.
Local artists Nqontsonqa, Odwa, Nkevastaan and Lusiba were among those who performed.
Nonthuthuzelo Laka said she had also been looking forward to the event since she completed her school exams.
“Being part of the switching on of the lights just made it so real that I’m done with school, and now the festivities have begun.”
East London’s lights were switched on last night at the Esplanade.