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GEORGE NEWS - George Mayor Jackie von Brandis and Western Cape Minister for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie announced the inaugural George Festival 2025 today at Unity Park, in York Street.
This culture, arts and sport event will take place from 13 to 16 December across multiple venues in the city, including Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre (Pacaltsdorp), Garden Route Botanical Gardens, Thembalethu Sports Field, Unity Park (York Street Traffic Circle), and the York Street CBD.
The festival, organised in collaboration with George Municipality the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), and the Eden Sports Council, aims to foster inclusive community participation, stimulate township economy, promote youth and arts development, and activate the local economy.
The event is expected to attract visitors from across the Garden Route and beyond, positioning George as a premier destination for culture, sport, and tourism.
"We are thrilled to bring the first-ever George Festival 2025 – Culture, Art and Sport, to our city," said Von Brandis. "This festival is more than just sport and culture – it’s a celebration of our community, our talent, and our heritage. By bringing together arts, sports, and music across George, we aim to create an inclusive, vibrant event that inspires participation, supports local businesses, and positions our city as a premier destination for culture and tourism in the Garden Route."
Festival Highlights
The festival opens on Saturday, 13 December, with Unity Park hosting a vibrant cultural showcase featuring performances by local artists and DJs, culminating in the official festive lights switch-on at 20:00.
Families can enjoy children’s entertainment and explore a variety of vendor stalls supporting local businesses. At the same time, sports activities will kick off that morning at Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp, including Rugby 7s, Soccer 5s, Netball Fast5, and tennis clinics.
On Sunday, 14 December, Unity Park will feature gospel performances by choirs, school groups, and motivational speakers.
Christian-themed small businesses will be showcased, and the day will close with a reflective candlelight worship experience. At Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp, quarterfinals across four sport codes will take place alongside a special Indigenous Games showcase, celebrating heritage and tradition.
Monday 15 December the cultural enrichment continues with a family Culture Day at the George Museum , featuring storytelling, Khoi plant healing demonstrations, poetry readings, and art classes. For younger attendees, the Garden Route Botanical Garden will host a Kiddies Fun Zone with face painting, games, hip-hop and rap dance sessions, spelling bees, and library-themed dress-up activities.
The festival concludes on Tuesday, 16 December, with culture and sports events at the York Street CBD and Unity Park. Semifinals and finals across all sport codes will be held, including mind games such as chess, scrabble, bridge and dominoes.
The festival will wrap up with a closing awards ceremony and a DJ crossover showcase (weather permitting), celebrating the achievements of participants and the spirit of community that defined the event. A Summer Festival will run concurrently at the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre, Pacaltsdorp offering a musical treat for all ages.
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Provincial Minister, Ricardo Mackenzie added: “George has always been a city of talent, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. The George Festival 2025 will showcase this uniqueness, bringing together our communities in ways never seen before.
"From sport to music to traditional arts, this festival puts George firmly on the map as a must-visit destination for culture and celebration. Investing in festivals like these offers unique experiences as well as unmatched economic and social benefits.”
The GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel echoed Mackenzie’s support for the event, saying: ‘This festival belongs to the whole Garden Route. I invite every resident of our region, and visitors from beyond, to join us in making history as we showcase our region’s talent, heritage, and unity.’”
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