Let the party begin
Huge turnout expected for Opening of Season extravaganza on beachfront
TENS of thousands of revellers are expected to descend on the Port Elizabeth beachfront tonight for the city’s traditional Opening of the Season festivities and fireworks display, with a large police contingent pulling out all the stops to ensure a safe night for all.
Municipal officials have also warned that there will possibly be a number of road closures to ease the anticipated traffic congestion.
Event organiser Darren Mungur, of Soul Good Company, said the average turnout for the Hobie Beach event over the years had been about 45 000, and tonight was expected to be no different.
The SA Weather Service has forecast clear skies for the evening.
“The Hobie Beach parking [area] will be for our guests and service providers,” Mungur said.
“People coming for the opening should park at Kings Beach [parking area].
“We are going to use the biggest fireworks ever seen in Port Elizabeth and the cost is relative to world-class displays of this nature.”
While the entertainment starts at 4pm, the 20-minute fireworks display will start at 8pm.
DJ Heavy K, who hails from the city, will be one of the star attractions among the other acts performing. Food stalls, the performance stage and public toilets were already set up at Hobie Beach by midday yesterday.
Municipal spokesman Mthubanzi Mniki said strict traffic law enforcement would be applied, with patrols taking place throughout the beachfront area.
Some roads would be closed from 6.30pm onwards, if necessary.
Those which could be affected included Beach Road and Marine Drive between La Roche Drive in Hume- wood, and Second Avenue in Summerstrand. “We advise people to get to the beach early to avoid traffic congestion,” Mniki said.
Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said officers would be present in large numbers in a display of what could be expected for the rest of the festive season.
“We will have [officers] patrolling on foot, bicycles, cars and horses all along the beachfront at the event and throughout the holidays, while regular roadblocks will be held throughout the festive season,” Beetge said.
Police would set up special kiosks to assist the public and where parents could register their children for special armbands that would help locate them should they go missing among the holiday crowds.
“Our main concern is public safety, so there will be zero tolerance for any alcohol-related incidents,” he said.
“No alcohol or glass will be allowed on the beach, and public drunkenness and drunk driving will be met by the full force of the law.”
The Blue Waters Cafe, which overlooks the area where the fireworks are launched, said it was ready for the influx.
Manager Vicky Walter said: “We are expecting a busy night and are al-
‘ We are going to use the biggest fireworks ever seen in PE
ready fully booked for the [time of the] fireworks display.”
Barney’s Tavern manager Jethro Barnard said because of the expected heavy congestion there would be a R50 cover charge.
“There is no cover charge during the day,” Barnard said.
“We will start charging later because there are many people who are coming for the fireworks display.
“Those who do come here will have a great view of the beach.”
Food vendors said even though it was going to be a long day, it would be worth it.
Habib Mia, the owner of Habibos Griller, which offers chilli boerewors and steak and chicken schwarmas, said they were usually very busy before the fireworks display.
“We are well-prepared and will continue selling until 1am,” he said.
Vibey Que owner Veliswa Xashimba said her only worry was the weather.
“If it’s hot, people don’t like eating, but my bacon and egg rolls are to die for,” she said.
Animal Welfare Society manager Hannes Stander advised animal lovers concerned about the fireworks display to keep a close eye on their pets tonight.
“Try to keep your animals indoors and stay with them to keep them calm,” he said.
“Pet owners can even take their animals to a vet for a light sedative to keep them calm, but they [owners] should still stay with them and keep a close eye on them.”
Stander said they would be on 24-hour standby and could be contacted to help any lost or injured animals.
ý See Page 6 for a full lineup of what is planned for the Bay’s summer programme.