Oyster Festival goes online
After the 2020 edition of the Knysna Oyster Festival was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event has opted to go virtual for the first time, with the fest set to take place from 27 June until 4 July.
“Planning is under way and we would like to encourage our local community to take this opportunity to be a part of this year’s first Virtual Knysna Oyster Festival," said Visit Knysna general manager Colleen Durant. "The main components of the programme will include sporting events and activities, all in virtual formats. The destination promotion of the Greater Knysna area will form the backbone of the activation, focusing on sport, fitness, leisure, food, arts, the community and culture that we have to offer.”
Andrew Finn, the appointed festival coordinator for 2020, is already in conversation with the local organisers who had previously shown interest in hosting events. The opportunity is also available to local artists, performers and anyone who is keen to be involved in promoting their creative skills. These can include artsand-crafts lessons, yoga classes and even knowledge-based webinars. Talented locals who believe their skills can capture an audience are invited to complete the online event hosting application form at www. knysnaoysterfestival.co.za. Applications close on 31 May.
Once all applications are received, a vetting process will take place to ensure there is no duplication of offerings, while ensuring that a high standard of delivery will be achieved. Events can select their own format for presentation, must produce their own content material and possibly even garner funding opportunities through their show. All events will be promoted and presented through the Knysna Oyster Festival social media platforms and YouTube links.
The annual anchor events, which include the Knysna Cycle Tour and Knysna Forest Marathon, are currently planning the formats they will roll out for participation in the event, and details will be published once confirmed. “We see this as a great opportunity to garner community interest and involvement, while keeping the festival alive, and promoting it towards an even bigger and better event next year,” commented Finn.
Provincial tourism entity Wesgro's chief executive Tim Harris added, “The Knysna Oyster Festival is a key feature on the Western Cape’s annual events calendar – and we’re thrilled to hear that the programme will be accessible virtually. It is clear that the tourism industry needs to embrace digital strategies and seek new revenue streams, and we look forward to seeing what the new innovative programme has to offer.” – Supplied: Visit Knysna