The media launch of the Cape Town Carnival was held last week in a flutter of feather boas and excitement.
The event, to be held from March 18 to 20 next year, unveiled its theme, Rhythm, Roots and Boots, and introduced its new artistic director, Richard Loring.
"I'm delighted to be associated with such an ambitious project that focuses so strongly on the expression of all forms of local culture," says Loring.
"I can't wait to get started. It will be the inaugural Cape Town Carnival, so all eyes are going to be on us, especially with 2010 being such a momentous year for all South Africans. We need to get it right from the outset and give people something authentic and memorable so that anticipation will mount for the following year's event almost immediately after the first one ends. We see this as a long-term investment."
Loring is a theatre producer best known for the long-touring production African Footprint.
"We are ecstatic to have someone of Loring's calibre on board as producer and artistic director and believe we will grow the carnival into one that will be able to compete with some of the best in the world," says Isabel Meyer, the CEO of the Cape Town Carnival.
The carnival has secured a media partnership with the pay-channel M-Net.
The event will be granted an exclusive channel on DStv, extensive advertising and opportunities for viewer interaction.
It will incorporate many cultural disciplines, including music and dance.
The highlight of the event will undoubtedly be the Cape Town Carnival Parade, including more than 10 000 participants, held in a ticketed, controlled, 350m-long environment.
Scaffolded seating will be provided for ticket holders, while craft markets and refreshment tents will offer a respite from the action.
A free public viewing area with big screens will be set up for non-ticket holders.
Stakeholders committed to the Cape Town Carnival include the Cape Town Minstrels Carnival Association, Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association, Cape Malay Choir Board, WC Drumline Association, Cape Music Industry Commission, AmaAmbush Marimbas, Federation of Dance Sport South Africa, WC Marching Bands Association, South African Christmas Bands Board, WC Drum Majorettes, Community Plough Back Movement, Western Province Dance Teachers Association, Unima and other community organisation from in and around the city.
- An invitation is extended to all creative industries, performing groups and anyone who would like to volunteer for this event to e-mail info@capetown carnival.com or to join the Facebook group "Cape Town Carnival" for more information on how the community can be involved.
- Tonight Reporter