Family fun in spectacular style

COLOURFUL floats and puppets, enchanting performers and an infectious party vibe will transform the Green Point Fan Walk during the Cape Town Carnival tomorrow.

The carnival is not only the weekend’s place to be for partygoers, but a safe event for the whole family.

Entertainment will include face-painting, goodie-bag giveaways, buskers and acrobats along the parade route, which spectators will be able to stroll along from 4pm to find the perfect spot from which to follow the 47 community performance groups.

“Families are welcome to explore the place before it gets crowded. We also have kiddies areas,” said Jay Douwes, chief operating officer of the carnival.

Another family-friendly aspect is the fact that alcohol is prohibited on the streets. “You can only have alcohol in bars and restaurants along the route.”

Fireworks will mark the start of the parade at 7pm. “We are mindful that many families attend the carnival, but we have to start after sunset so that the lights and performances take full effect,” Douwes said.

MyCiTi buses and late-night trains as well as park-and-ride facilities will be available.

The carnival team invites everyone to dress up in accordance with this year’s theme – Elemental – and celebrate fire, water, air and earth. “We want to show how earth and people are connected. This is our strong message, especially for children,” Douwes said.

With the recent upsurge in fires in the province, one element, in particular, will be in the public eye: hundreds of firemen who fought against the blazes day and night in the past few weeks will take part in this year’s parade. “We have always featured the fire department, but this time we want to salute them – not in a boring, but in a fun way,” Douwes said.

Safety is another important aspect for the organisers. About 400 security guards along the 1.2km route, and fire services on standby will ensure that families and friends are able to enjoy the celebrations.

What started as an event during the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup with 11 000 spectators in Long Street, is now one of Cape Town’s biggest parties, attended by 50 000 people last year.

Also, 70 learners from the provincial government’s Mass Participation, Opportunity and Development (MOD) centres based at Lavender Hill High School, Phoenix High School in Manenberg and Oscar Mpetha High School and Walter Teka High School, both in Nyanga, will be doing dance routines.