Cape Town - The city’s annual switching on of the festive lights ceremony again drew thousands of spectators who lapped up the entertainment, which started on Sunday afternoon in the city centre.
Thousands congregated on the Grand Parade for the free concert held at the City Hall at about 4pm. With this year’s theme “Cape Town Celebrates 20 Years of Democracy”, the stage was adorned with South African flags and balloons in the national colours.
The event is a highlight for most Capetonians and marks the start of the festive season. Families brought cooler boxes packed with snacks and drinks. Most were comfortably seated on camping chairs while others were sprawled out on blankets.
Ruwayda Small, 52, of Bellville never misses the event.
“I’ve been coming to the festival for as long as I can remember… it’s a family tradition,” said the mother of two.
She enjoyed the concert that preceded the main event of the switching-on of the lights in Adderley Street in the evening.
“It’s always a good line-up of artists. The vibe is also nice,” said Small.
Emceed by comedian Soli Philander, performers included Zahara, Emo Adams, The Arrows and Alistair Izobell, among others.
For matric student Gaironesa Lewis, the entertainment was also a major drawcard.
“We are here every year. It’s entertaining for us and it’s great that we don’t have to pay to see some of the big artists perform,” said the 18-year-old from Strand.
Police officers and emergency medical staff were on hand to make sure order was maintained.
Attending the festival for the first time, Gugulethu’s Nomathemba Mdovu, 52, brought along her four children.
“It’s a nice crowd of people and everyone is in a festive mood. I am mostly here to see Zahara, we all love her at home,” she said.
With Cape Town being the World Design Capital for 2014, the city added new festive lights crossings this year designed under the themes “Cape Town – Africa’s Greatest City”, “The Musical City” and a “Bird’s Life”.
The light installation includes a 6m Christmas tree and South Africa’s national flower, the Protea.
Mayor Patricia de Lille said of the event: “Each year we usher in the festive season in true Cape Town style, but today our official festive lights switch on is a bit more special.
“Just over a year ago we lost the father of our nation, our beloved Nelson Mandela, Tata Madiba. While we will still feel the loss and remember his tremendous contribution to the country and his role in the peaceful transition into a democratic society, as citizens we all have to continue to live out his wonderful legacy.
“While today is a day of celebration, let us remember Mandela’s legacy and work together to ensure that we continue to build our country and city into an even better place.”
Cape Argus