Who was at Craft Fest?
THIS week’s CraftFest, brought to you by The Independent on Saturday and Shongweni Farmers and Craft market, was a roaring success despite the winter chill that rolled over the province this week.
Thousands of people took the opportunity to taste craft drinks, sample artisan foods and meet the craft makers at an event that was popular with families and where groups of friends could chill together – round the fires of course.
And while the looming rain fortunately stayed away, it didn’t affect the crowds dressing up warmly and enjoying the day, as the market is fully under cover.
A highlight of CraftFest was the new Champagne bar, where people could relax in an area with comfy couches. The decor theme was white with the ceiling decked out in pink and lilac lanterns.
Besides bubbly, there was an array of colourful cocktails and pink gins from the likes of Pretty Drinks, Bootlegger Moonshine and the Thirsty Elephant, while Tapanga rum was serving exotic cocktails out of whole coconuts and pineapples. The Gin Co and Distillery 031 both offered an array of new gin flavours and combinations.
Durban Home Brewers were out in force, raising funds for the South African Riding for the Disabled Association based in Shongweni. On offer was an array of interesting home brews from the quixotic to the avant garde. They managed to raise R11 000.
Other local brewers included The 1000 Hills Brewery, the Durban Brewing Company and the Clockwork Brewhouse, as well as the Standeaven Brewery, while the Darling Brewery and Everson’s Cider were up from Cape Town.
And in keeping with the family theme, the kids were entertained, with even a dinosaur making an appearance, much to their amusement.