With a hop, skip and a beat, the annual DStv Mitchell’s Plain Festival is here again and will take place at Westridge Gardens from Friday December 1 until Sunday December 3.
The ninth festival is set to be bigger and better, with more than 40 000 people expected to attend the three-day family event, in celebration of the 41st anniversary of the community of Mitchell’s Plain.
Rozario Brown, founder and festival director, said partnerships with prominent brands like the Plainsman, DStv, Nedbank and Heart FM have escalated the festival to new heights and helped reach audiences far and wide.
Mr Brown said this year’s event will be even more significant as they attempt to have more than
2 500 festival goers tested for HIV/ Aids, diabetes and other medical conditions for free.
“It is the first time that the festival falls over the World Aids Day weekend and we believe that this festival has a vital role in educating, entertaining and uniting our people against various social issues affecting us,” he said.
The festival’s biggest attractions include a car show, where enthusiasts can show off their modified wheels; two air shows by the SA Air Force; and more than 50 popular DJs, artists and entertainers who will enthuse festival goers across two stages. The festival promises something for everyone, from do-it-yourself home decorations and renovations, to a kiddies’ corner, travel, health, fashion and beauty, as well as a delectable variety of food and catering.
Free gifts and prizes, including hotel breaks, air flights, shopping vouchers and a trip on the world famous Blue Train are all up for grabs.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is back again with one of the biggest military displays in the Western Cape, including representatives from the SA Army, SA Navy, SA Airforce, SA Signal Service, SA Military Police and SA Medical Services.
Young people can also learn about opportunities available within the various SANDF units.
The City of Cape Town’s Safety Directorate, including traffic, law enforcement, metro police and fire and rescue services, will also have a major exhibition taking place at the festival.
“We encourage people to participate in the City of Cape Town’s massive water saving awareness campaign taking place at the festival,” said Mr Brown.
The usual security and safety plan will be activated, including the presence of medical staff and an ambulance on stand-by in case of any medical eventualities. The South African Police Services (SAPS), law enforcement, metro police, private security staff and the local neighbourhood watches form an integral part of the overall security plans.
Mr Brown said the festival prides itself as one of the safest festivals in the country. “It is an alcohol-free event and we have a zero-tolerance to all forms of illegal drugs and substances. No sharp or illegal weapons will be allowed onto the premises,” he said.
The Plainsman will run a tombola stall at its marquee at the festival on Saturday December 2 where you can win some great prizes. The stall will be operational from 11am.
Gates open at 3pm on Friday December 1; and will open at 10am on Saturday December 2 and Sunday December 3. Tickets cost R45 for adults, aged 13 to 59, and R25 for children, aged between six and 12, and are available via Computicket. Children younger than six, the physically disabled and pensioners enter for free. Festival goers who buy their tickets through Computicket stand a chance to win a trip to Sun City, valued at
R30 000. For more information visit mitchellsplainfestival.com