Red carpet and Routeys

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GEORGE NEWS - Red carpet interviews, flashing cameras and shiny outfits - these are elements of the industry of art and entertainment that young starlets of the Garden Route Eisteddfod (GRE) experienced during an award ceremony at the George Arts Theatre.

The idea was to simulate the Oscars where the nominees enter the venue on the red carpet, conduct a few short interviews with the press and have their video and photo taken.

PHOTO GALLERY: Red carpet and Rooteys

The black-tie event took place last Saturday morning, well timed between the changeable rainy weather.

A total of 61 talented youngsters received awards for their superb performance at this year's eisteddfod, which took place in August.

Some 40 awards were handed over to the winners and nominees of the respective GRE categories, while 21 participants received a special category award called the Rootey Award.

The winners of the Garden Route Eisteddfod, as well as the nominees and winners of the first annual Routey Awards, had the opportunity to talk to the press, answer a few questions and enjoy the limelight like professional performers.

The symbolic wearing of the mask for all the Top Senior All Round Performers 2022 at the closing of the awards ceremony. Photo: JDL Photography

"The event is organised to let our amateur artists of the Garden Route experience the way awards ceremonies are held in the art industry," said Alida Gerber-Lategan, one of the organisers of the Garden Route Eisteddfod. Co-organiser Lizette Gerber says it is equally important for the participants to realise that not only the winners of the categories are awarded for their talents and efforts.

That is why they initiated the Rootey Awards. If all goes according to plan, the Rootey Awards will continue as an annual event on the performing arts' social calendar.