GEORGE NEWS - The George Festival will return in December with an expanded programme featuring additional sporting codes, beach activities and greater use of George’s natural spaces.
The 2026 festival was officially announced at a soft launch at the George Museum on Wednesday afternoon, 19 August, attended by the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sports, Ricardo Mackenzie, George Mayor Browen Johnson, municipal officials, sponsors and representatives of sporting and cultural organisations.
Mackenzie said the festival creates opportunities for communities to connect through sports, culture and recreation while contributing to local economic development. He highlighted the opportunity to make greater use of George’s beaches and natural spaces, with beach sports and other activities included in the expanded programme. He also encouraged residents and visitors to use George’s bus services to travel to festival activities where possible, as events will take place across the city.
Johnson said the municipality aimed to build on the success of last year’s inaugural festival. “Last year, we promised something big was coming to George, and we delivered. This year we promise even bigger and better,” he said.
The 2026 programme will include 10s rugby, soccer, track and field athletics, vlakkie cricket, beach volleyball, table tennis, netball, sports for people with disabilities, a 10km road race, as well as gospel and jazz music festivals.
Cllr Melvin Roelfse, the MMC for social development, libraries, sports and customer care, welcomed the continued support of sponsors and interest from potential new partners. He also highlighted the inclusion of disability sport, pointing to the festival’s focus on inclusive participation.
All the attendees at the soft launch. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
Iona Kritzinger, the MMC for financial and strategic services, IDP, performance management, economic development and tourism, said the festival would benefit local businesses and tourism. “Every visitor in George adds to our economic development,” she said.
Further details on dates, venues and participating organisations will be announced in due course.
Johnson ended the launch with the message: “As jy nie hier is nie, waar is jy?!” (“If you’re not here, where are you?!)”
- Compiled by Marguerite van Ginkel
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