It’s springtime – and the macadamia fest again
Weekend of food and fun to showcase, celebrate nut farm project’s success
A usually quiet Ncerha village will become a hive of activity this weekend when the annual Macadamia Harvest Festival takes place.
Headlining the family fun festival in Ncerha near Kaysers Beach will be celebrated East London-born DJ Mobi Dixon.
The festival, which is in its second year, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with the main events on Saturday.
The weekend of joy is meant to showcase and celebrate the macadamia farming project and all its successes.
While the official festival starts on Saturday, pupils and other festinos will be shown around and taught about macadamia nut farming free of charge on Friday.
Entrance is R30 on Saturday and Sunday and gates open at 9am. There will be tours of the orchards and plantations with an expert tour guide.
Festinos will be given a glimpse of the cultural world of the Ncerha people with traditional food and crafts on sale, as well as a fashion show showcasing traditional attire.
Princess Nomaxhosa Jongilanga, the director and acting chief of the ImiDushane traditional council, said they were pulling out all the stops for the annual spectacle.
“The festival is aimed at celebrating the annual macadamia nut harvest and positioning Ncerha as an authentic agricultural tourism destination of choice in the Eastern Cape, as well as creating jobs and alleviating poverty in Ncerha.
“We are expecting guests from all over the country.
“It’s going to be a fun day for friends and family, as well as showcasing Ncerha in all its beauty,” she said.
The lineup of local entertainment is delectable.
Crafts, food stalls, kiddies’ inflatables, a macadamia industry workshop and a beer tent are all on the agenda.
Mobi Dixon said he was looking forward to spinning the decks at the festival.
“It gives me great pleasure to see the Eastern Cape getting more lifestyle events like this one – events that are informative and empowering to the community and local entrepreneurs.
“I am looking forward to my performance and getting every- one to get down and have fun,” said the City Rains hitmaker.
Other artists that will also entertain at the festival are Nichume, Natz EFX, Pablo Dadon, Yoba Unltd, Yanga Mhlongo, JR Nkosi, Thembelani Ngxali, Turn Up Gang, and a host of other DJs.