Port Alfred Easter Festival — a quick look at what’s on

Here’s some of what’s in store at the Port Alfred Easter Festival, presented by Sunshine Coast Port Alfred Tourism.

Thursday March 28 Surfing: Opening function

There will be an opening function at the Royal St Andrews Hotel on Thursday evening at 6pm. This function is open to all surfers, bodyboarders, media, parents, and anyone who wants to attend.

The speakers will be Surfing SA vice president Anne Wright, Royal St Andrews Hotel MD Justin Bekker, bodyboarding representative and Port Alfred Business Forum chair Clinton Millard, Kowie Boardriders chair Mickey Witthuhn and NSRI Station 11 spokesperson Chris Pike, who will also give a brief safety demonstration.

Friday March 29 Fishing: Species Spectacular Fishing Contest

The Species Spectacular Fishing Competition, presented by the Port Alfred River and Ski Boat Club, starts with a 5am launch on Friday morning.

Surfing: Rip Curl GromSearch

The Rip Curl GromSearch, presented by Royal St Andrews and supported by Sea Harvest, kicks off at 7.30am at East Beach. The forecast looks promising.

Good Time Fair

The Good Time Fair On The River fun starts on Van der Riet Street with a jumping castle, Easter egg hunt, and mouthwatering breakfasts and lunches from 10am to 3pm.

Then, from 3pm, it moves over to Wharf Street for an afternoon and evening of live music, a second market, vibrant lights, tasty street food, two landmark restaurants, karaoke, a wife-carrying competition (win your wife's weight in beer), and more.

Surfing Colours Awards

The 2024 SA junior team selected to compete in the 20th ISA World Surfing Championships in El Salvador in May will be awarded their colours on Friday March 29.

This will take place at the Royal St Andrews Hotel on Friday evening at 6pm.

Saturday March 30

Saturday is the big day, with the Rip Curl GromSearch continuing at East Beach, bodyboarding at West Beach, the Port Alfred parkrun, a 10km fun cycle race, the Marina 1km swim, as well as bowls, croquet and the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club Easter Golf Day. The grand finale on Saturday is Bands on the Beach in aid of the NSRI from 2pm to 10pm.

Sunday March 31 and Monday April 1

Sunday brings the RipCurl Cup at East Beach, bodyboarding at West Beach, the Masibambisana Boxing Tournament at Jauka Hall. On Monday are the Rip Curl Cup finals and Nemato Change A Life Handball at West Beach.

● FULL SCHEDULE ON PAGE 7