GEORGE NEWS - The Southern Cape is in for a musical masterclass with the inaugural Woodifields Music on the Map experience on 2 September.
Local and national bands will take the stage on the Woodifields farm, opposite the Nelson Mandela University's George Campus, and set the night alight with entertainment for everyone who loves a good local jam. In addition to the soundtrack for the day, there will be great food, craft beer and a fun atmosphere for the entire family to come and enjoy.
But what makes this a unique calendar must? Three things: history, family and friendship.
History
Originally named Pampoenkraal, the property was granted as a loan farm by the Dutch East India Company in 1777. In 1816 the Woodifields section was contracted to Barend Stander, but most of the farm remained state land for the first half of the 19th century because of the importance of the road to Kaaimansgat, at that time the only route to Knysna.
When building started on a new road to Knysna (the Seven Passes Road) in 1867, Thomas Bain and Adam de Smidt established their work camp on Pampoenkraal. After the road's completion, the state sold the Woodifields part (south) of the land to Adam de Smidt. The current owners, the Jackson family, bought the land in 1957.
Friendship
Bruce Jackson, owner, farmer and visionary of Woodifields, and Alewijn Dippenaar met 10 years ago, striking up a friendship that, unbeknownst to them, would turn mere dreams into astounding and thrilling reality. These two heads are truly better than one - you simply have to look at their tourism vision for the farm in the years to come to recognise this.
Part of the plan is to turn old workers' houses into student housing, not merely providing students with a house, but also introducing them to the quiet splendour of life on a farm. Currently thirteen students already live on the farm.
Music
The type of farming also has shifted gears from crops to cows, but arguably one of the biggest changes to Woodifields is the preparation of a natural amphitheatre, ready to welcome musicians of all genres and musical inclinations. The Woodifields Music on the Map experience is the first of (hopefully) many experiences and outdoor events to be hosted on the farm.
Stay informed with all the music experience news on Facebook at Woodifields Music on the Map, or contact Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 / dyndev@mweb.co.za, or Mimi Finestone on 084 583 3144 / mimi@gojipr.net.
Bring your family, bring your friends, even bring a chair or a blanket, but come and share a spectacular Garden Route spring day filled with good grub, great beer and amazing music. Local is not only lekker, but legendary! Doors open at 14:00.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
