Durban - CraftFest is back offering families a day of fun and relaxation in the country, tasting the finest craft drinks, noshing on gourmet food, listening to top local bands and meeting the craft makers.
The third CraftFest comes to you on Women’s Day, August9, at the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market, and promises more than 100 crafters and some classy music.
Already Qadasi, Black Whiskey and Bad Peter are confirmed, while a mystery headline act will be announced soon.
Already some of the province’s best brewers and distillers are confirmed and this edition looks at doing some exciting innovations with gin and cocktails.
And the KidsZone will be in full swing for the young ones.
For this event, the Independent on Saturday is offering a limited number of Early Bird tickets on Quicket, so get in fast - these won’t last long.
Not only was the April CraftFest - which attracted a record 3 500 people - a fun day, it also raised funds for a very worthy local charity.
One of the huge successes was that Durban Home Brewers raised R28 500 for the
Umduduzi Hospice which provides care for children with cancer.
Doug Berry, chairman of Durban Home Brewers, which is a small group of around 200, said it was a great day and everyone sold out before the official closing.
“It was full steam ahead.
“We were well supported and really enjoyed the feedback from buyers who were looking to try the non-commercial stuff.
“It was really great to be able to showcase our passion. Unfortunately, we had a bumpy start.
“We lost two brews on the day. Someone had left the freezer on. So we couldn’t quite reach our planned target of R30000. If we’d had these two we would have sold out as well,” he said.
Berry has participated in shows before and was full of praise for the organisation of CraftFest.
“They really went above and beyond. It’s very well run. Pulling pints and raising money for charity was not hard work, it was fun”
Tracey Brand, director of the Umduduzi Hospice, said the money would go towards
its early childhood development programme at King Dinuzulu (formerly King George V) Hospital.
“We were totally blown away by Doug and his fellow home brewers. It was so much fun watching them discuss a brew they are so passionate about, but at the same time knowing that they are using their passion to give back.
“Every cent raised came to Umduduzi - Hospice Care for Children.
“As an NPO we rely solely on donor funds to ensure that we can continue our invaluable work and this money raised by the Home Brewers has gone directly to that. It is amazing to have people who are willing to share their passion and their talents for the benefit of others,” said Brand.
Christine Standeaven of the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market is looking forward to families coming out for the day and enjoying a fun filled excursion, and to spoiling all women on National Women’s day.
“CraftFest is aimed at making the day fun-filled for the whole family. Families can enjoy browsing through the food court, starting with a mid-morning snack, and
deciding what to order for lunch ending with scrumptious desserts.
“Adults can choose from a selection of locally made craft drinks, children can head off to the kids zone, where they can buy an armband which will cover them for the
whole day to play to their heart’s content.
“Our craft area will be expanding offering a vibrant selection of handcrafted gifts, home accessories, decor and clothing. Local bands will set the back drop for the festival, entertaining us for the whole day,” said Standheaven.
The Independent on Saturday’s acting editor, Lindsay Slogrove, said CraftFest had already earned favoured status.
“CraftFest has a unique spirit. Spending a day in the country is a big attraction,” said Slogrove, adding: “As important is the high quality of the exhibitors and entertainers. Only the best are invited, so people at the fest are certain to enjoy the feast.
“Of course, with the emphasis placed on family and friends, it’s a day of relaxation that feels like a holiday,”
- So pencil in the date - in permanent marker. It’s August 9 at the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market, from 10am to 4pm. Tickets cost R100 from Quicket or R120 on the day. There are a limited number of early-bird tickets available at R50.