Mother City of lights brings festive joy
THE official kick-off to the festive season with the annual festive lights switch-on drew a whopping 100 000 people and although there were some reports of criminality, law enforcement officers were quickly on the scene, the City said.
Revellers lined the streets from early afternoon to get the best view and enjoy live entertainment ahead of the 8.30pm switch-on on Sunday.
The free open-air event celebrated its 50th anniversary under the theme “Cape Town: Window to the World”, with a star-studded line-up including performances by Sho Madjozi, Early B, the Ndlovu Youth Choir and YoungstaCPT.
The young winner of the City’s Music Challenge – Crazy-J Suave – also entertained the crowd.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said this was arguably the City’s biggest free open air event and four months of planning went into making it an occasion that families could enjoy.
“Construction of the lights, the maintenance and the staging of the event involves a team of approximately 1 505 people,” Smith said.
The programme gave special attention to entertainment for children and youth who enjoyed acts by the Zip Zap Circus, Laila Van Der Ross and Queen Angela, the Cape Town Freestylers as well as Ocean View’s The Unknown Dance Crew, who danced their way into the crowd’s hearts.
Security and safety were tight this year, with the City’s Safety & Security Services, CCID and private security brought on board.
Arrests were made for the possession of dangerous weapons, assault, malicious damage to property and theft.
“Regardless of our pleas for people not to bring alcohol to the event, officers still confiscated 312 litres which includes 195 beers, 176 ciders, 48 bottles of wine and 49 bottles of spirits. Alcohol is not allowed for a very good reason and our officers will not tolerate such a blatant disregard of the law,” said Smith.
The last leg of the event is the Waste To Art competition expo opening tomorrow. The public is welcome to visit the expo at the Civic Centre in Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town, which will be on display until December 21.
The Adderley Street lights will stay on until the end of January.