Hilton Festival to host Jongosi, school arts programme

HIGH Schools and primary schools will enjoy a bumper Jongosi school arts’ festival embedded in the main event of the 24th annual Hilton Arts Festival from 16 to 18 September.

The festival will take place on the beautiful grounds of Hilton College, with Jongosi taking place for one day only on Friday, 16 September for senior primary schools (Grades 6 and 7 only) and for high schools.

This is the seventh year in which the Hilton Arts Festival has hosted a special schools’ festival. This year’s festival starts with a carefully-thought through programme of age-specific arts events aimed at schools. Approximately 1500 pupils will experience the thrill of the performing arts daily over the day long programme.

The focus this year will be on syllabus-related productions as well as some for sheer entertainment and fun.

It is a celebration of all that is young, new and vibrant and has been dubbed ‘Jongosi’ – Johnny Clegg’s word from the Afrikaans ‘jong os’ which has become absorbed into isiZulu parlance. Jongosi is designed to educate, entertain and allow pupils to expand their world-view. Jongosi has been a phenomenal success so it is being further developed for this year.

Festival director, Sue Clarence, said children will be fully occupied in a day filled with performance, wonder and inspiration. “They will have the opportunity to experience a festival atmosphere as well as watching several performances. The craft market and the art exhibitions will be open. Refreshment outlets will be open. Alternatively, children may take along their own packed lunch,” said Clarence.

Teachers are asked to diarise the event and book early. The full programme is available on request. The business community is invited to support this initiative by sponsoring a group of underprivileged pupils to attend the festival,

Get onto the mailing list by contacting Su Huggett on festival@hiltoncollege.com to receive the full programme. All details: www.hiltonfestival.co.za