GEORGE NEWS - George’s Cheese Festival 2011 is off to an excellent start with Vodacom coming on board with R250 000 in sponsorship. The tenth Cheese Festival which will be held from 29 to 31 July, was launched at a cocktail party held last Thursday at Fancourt’s Morning Glory restaurant.

This year the festival hosts exciting events starting with a glamorous fashion show presented by the famous South African fashion designer, Errol Arendz, who truly embodies the heart of international couture.

Errol will hit George in a big way when he presents his exclusive trunk show on the evening of 28 July. The fashion show will be marketed through Computicket in association with the Vodacom George Cheese Festival. "You may want to leave a little space in your winter wardrobe," say the organisers.

To whet your appetite for fashion, visit his website at www.errolarendz.com or catch him on facebook.

At the cocktail party launch, headmaster of Outeniqua Primary School, Johan Smit, thanked the sponsors for coming on board again. Amongst others, the George Herald will again be the media sponsor this year and the George Municipality has pledged its support too. There will be 80 exhibitors featuring live entertainment, demonstrations and tastings, including the Foodworx Theatre. And don’t forget the Academy of Whiskey which involves a chocolate and Whiskey tasting, Brandy Boulevard with KWV, and Portfolio of Port with Boplaas featuring their top port wines.

Top Entertainment at the Kuiertent
The super-sized Millers Attorney’s Kuiertent can accommodate more than 2000 people. Top artists, such as Idols finalist, Munro du Toit, Nic Stevens and well-known local band, Splash, will entertain visitors from Friday, 29 July to Sunday 31 July on the Vodacom Music Stage, while they relax and pick and enjoy delicacies from nine restaurant stalls. Windhoek Bar and Ferdinand Rabie’s Cocktail and Cigar Lounge, adjacent to the Millers Attorneys’ Kuiertent will accommodate smokers.

Sport
The Sports festival offers a number of sport events which became popular amongst the fit and includes the Top-gear/Safari 21km, 10km, and fun-run races. This year’s Cheese Festival Fun Run and mile will be held on Friday, 29 July at 17:30 at McDonalds Kids Zone area.
Talented scholar Heinrich Kritizinger of Outeniqua High School provided some sophisticated music at the launch.
For more info regarding the event, please visit the George Cheese Festival website at www.georgecheesefestival.co.za or contact Anna-Lize Pretorius at info@george cheesefestival.co.za.

The main festival is held on the premises of the Outeniqua Primary School, Cathedral Street, George. GPS: -33.959858, 22.463122.

*Gideon Hugo of the Vodacom shop thanked Wanda Matandela - ME Vodacom Eastern Region, Ncamile Toni - Marketing Manager, and Robert du Preez - MD Tyger Cellular Group for their generous sponsorship.


They make things happen.... Charlene Snyman, Renee Ellis and Benita Milton, members of the Cheese Festival Committee, seen at the launch held for the sponsors at the Fancourt Morning Glory Restaurant last Thursday.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD REPORTER