I and I at 7th Africa Day Festival

GEORGE NEWS - With the support of George Municipality, the seventh annual Africa Day Festival was hosted at the Malgas River Lapa in the Witfontein Nature Reserve from Friday to Sunday, 26 to 29 May.

One of the organisers, Ras Hein Scheepers, said the event was once again a big success and despite the cold about 500 people attended.

"We had more than 30 tents and some caravans. This event is an important date on the calendar to promote tourism and cultural development. We are hoping to grow it every year," said Scheepers.

The live music started at 17:00 on Saturday afternoon and by Sunday morning all the food stalls were pretty much sold out.

"We are thankful to all those involved, especially the George Municipality and George Herald that have been supporting us for the last seven years. We also want to thank everyone who attended. We had visitors from as far as Johannesburg this year," said Scheepers.

Stalls and live music inside the big tent. Photos: Kristy Kolberg

Africa Day is a public holiday in various African countries. It commemorates the founding of the African Union on 25 May 1963.

The cold did not deter festivalgoers who enjoyed the weekend outside in nature, food and clothing stalls, children's entertainment and live music the festival had to offer. Many small bonfires were lit to keep the cold at bay as visitors pitched their tents and caravans.

The festival celebrates the vibrancy and resilience of Africa as the populations of Africa continue to work for peace and progress.

Mada Katy enjoying a touch of sun on Saturday afternoon.

"The festival highlights the role of the cultural and creative economy as an essential element to the achievement of Africa," Scheepers said.

"We invite the broader public and all other cultures to celebrate Africa Day with us next year. We would like to offer more genres to grow the festival. It is a family-friendly festival with entertainment and activities for all. We're already planning next year's event and hope to get some big sponsors on board."

Cornelia Esquire with her husband, Jeremy and two-year-old son.

Lynette Jacobs, Fizel (10), his mother Andrea Leen and her 10-month-old son Zion camped out at the festival with Kaylee and little Makkonen da Silva (4).

George Speaker Sean Snyman and Portfolio Councillor for Financial and Strategic Services Dirk Wessels (both at the back) visited the opening of the festival on Friday night. With them are Aldred Kaffoen, Dr Mimi Gondwe, Tubby Uithaler and Simon Nyoka.