Craft Fest is ideal family day
IF you’re wanting craft drinks, gourmet food prepared by hands that tell a story, and a day of entertainment in the hills, then the inaugural Craft Fest is just for you and your family.
The Sunday Tribune’s sister publication, The Independent on Saturday, in partnership with the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market, brings you the first Craft Fest on Friday, June 16, hosted at the market site.
“What’s special about the fest is that it’s an opportunity for the whole family to come out and spend a day where they can taste unique food and drink, get busy creating craft items and just relax while listening to great music. Visitors will be able to speak to the crafters and learn about how each item is made,” said Christine Standeaven, the owner of the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market.
Each of the crafters at the fest have been specially chosen for the event.
The Craft Fest will feature crafters who create unique beers, gins and wines, and there will be gourmet food stalls, with local people sharing their love for creating delicious fare.
There will also be people who make their own handicrafts, many out of recycled goods like plastic, as well as live music and a children’s entertainment area.
“This fest is an experience. A person who comes here will not just be buying an item. People can ask how an item is made and learn about the people behind the product. This is an experience you don’t get when you go buy somethingfor example. We have people here who gave up their professional careers to cook food and earn an income – this is the beauty about knowing where products or services come from and how it supports families,” said Standeaven.
Some of the craft drink makers include Clarens Beer/ Red Stone, the Standeaven Brewery, Toti Brewing company, the Gin Co and Eversons.
Deon Delport, the editor of the Independent on Saturday said: “The Craft Fest offers groups of friends and families the chance to enjoy a wonderful day of entertainment, listening to great music and trying different craft drinks in a stunning setting. What better way to start a long weekend.
“This festival celebrates the talents and creativity of local brew masters and musicians. Kwazulu-natal is home to some great craft brew creators, who are always looking at new offerings, both in beer but increasingly also in craft gins and sparkling wines.
“The Independent on Saturday believes it is important to promote innovation and, at the same time, help its readers and followers find fun things to do with their leisure time. The Craft Fest is about having fun. Come and enjoy.” Date: June 16. Time: 10am to 4pm. Venue: Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market.
Ticket costs (including a tasting glass):
R100 for adults on www.quicket.co.za or R120 at the door. Tickets for children between 12 to 17 years cost R50, and children under 12 enter for free. THREE lucky readers can stand the chance of winning four tickets each to Craft Fest. To stand the chance of winning these tickets, SMS Tribcraft, followed by your name and surname, to 33258 before noon on Tuesday, May 30. SMSES cost R1.50 each and the winners will be contacted by telephone.