‘One stop wonders’ now big festival hits

It may be known for its beautiful beaches and top-class game reserves, but the Eastern and Southern Cape region is fast adding another feather to its tourism cap – that of South Africa’s festival capital.

With festivals popping up in many rural towns as well as in bigger centres, little-known “one stop wonders” are becoming big hits among local and international festinos who are flocking to the various unique annual events.

Already the region has more than 25 annual festivals taking place at different times of the year and all focusing on unique aspects of tourism which the area hosting the event has to offer – a huge drawcard for visitors, say tourism specialists.

They include the renowned Grahamstown National Arts Festival and the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival in Oudtshoorn, both of which draw up to hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors annually, as well as smaller events such as the Bedford Garden Festival and the Coffee Bay Bomvu Cultural Music Festival.

Weekend Post Online, 19 January 2010