The V&A Waterfront plans to ring in the new year by shining a beam of light into the sky that will be visible across Cape Town.
Each year many have chosen to ring in the new year with live entertainment and concerts at one of Cape Town’s most loved tourist attractions. This year will be no different.
The V&A Waterfront said in a statement that last year, it was looking for a new way to celebrate at midnight. The beam of light is their symbol to usher in the new year.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the live performance and switching on of the lights will be streamed on their social media pages.
On New Year’s Eve, violinist and DJ duo DeVille will get the viewers pumped with their house mixes that include the electric violin. Their performance will pause for the traditional countdown and then beam of light will be switched on.
If you’re afraid that you might miss it, don’t despair. The beam will be lit for six nights after New Year’s Eve, from 9pm every evening.
The beam consists of 36 vertical searchlights and is symbolic of lives lost in the pandemic, said V&A Waterfront CEO David Green.
“The beam is symbolic of the lives that were lost during the Covid-19 pandemic, the jobs that were affected and the coming together of a nation in solidarity and hope for 2022,” he said.
He added: “Our beam of light is a moment for celebration as well as for reflection. Just as its light cuts through the darkness we hope that everyone who sees it will take the time to contemplate the compassion, solidarity, connection, inspiration, and collaborations that humanity has had to embrace over the past two years.”
V&A Waterfront spokesperson Donald Kau said they are trying to bring the festive spirit back.
“We have a series of entertainers performing over the next few days. As people are coming back into the Waterfront, we want to create an ambience of entertainment for them,” he said.
“We know that this is something people are used to but haven't experienced over the last 20 months. This will also help get artists to perform and earn a living.”