George set to sparkle at this year’s Light Festival at Unity Park
The highly anticipated annual Festive Light Festival is this upcoming weekend, promising a spectacular evening of celebration, music, and community spirit. Taking place on Saturday, 7 December 2024, the event will be hosted at Unity Park on York Street.
The festivities kick off at 4:00 pm with a lively line-up featuring light music, church choirs, and children’s choirs. Attendees can look forward to an uplifting segment of gospel and Christmas carols. The Executive Mayor, Alderlady Jackie Von Brandis, will officially switch on the dazzling lights at around 8pm. She encourages the community to join in the celebration, reminding all of the symbolic message that “Jesus is the light of the world.”
Local talents are set to grace the stage, including: Geraldo Lewis, Fernando Fredricks, Zintle Langa, Lorenzo Pretorius,Maxwell Matiwana and Fanatics-SA (Stage Band).
A vibrant array of approximately 40 stalls, coordinated by the municipality’s Community Development division, will offer food, toys, arts, and crafts. Although the application deadline for stalls was Friday, 29 November 2024, late applications will be accepted until Wednesday, 4 December 2024 provided applicants have their certificates of acceptability in order. No late submissions will be considered after this date.
According to Khanyisile Fortuin, Festival Coordinator, to ensure the safety of festival-goers, St Marks Street and a section of York Street will be closed from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm on the day. Clear directional signage will be provided to assist drivers and pedestrians.
Fortuin said the George Municipality’s Traffic and Law Enforcement teams, supported by SAPS, neighbourhood watches, and private security firms, will be on hand to maintain order. Attendees are reminded that alcohol is strictly prohibited, with a zero-tolerance policy enforced to safeguard the community’s well-being.
The festival concludes at 9:30 pm.
“Residents and visitors are encouraged to come in numbers to support this special event, which celebrates both the season and the community’s unity,” Fortuin said.