Life’s a beach in uMhlanga this December
This years festival will also give an opportunity to local businesses to market their offerings and holiday-makers to network with local people.
THINGS are starting to heat up for the 2023 Umhlanga Summer Festival this festive season, the first festival since the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Starting on December 9 and ending on December 17, beachgoers, locals and tourists are invited to join in the fun and games on the Millennium Stage with daily activities planned around the main beach as well as on the stage from 10:00 till 14:00.
Run off your festive wobble on December 15 at the Umhlanga Summer Festival Run and Walk in conjunction with Riverside Trails.
This 5km route will challenge runners of varying fitness, and participants will run along the world-famous Umhlanga Promenade. The entry for the run and walk is free, and it will start at 08:00 and finish at the island next to the pier.
For those who are still not feeling the Christmas vibe, the annual Umhlanga Tourism Carols by Candlelight at the Pearls Mall on Saturday, December 16, will be the perfect remedy.
Father Christmas will be arriving in style, riding on a shiny Harley Davidson.
Carollers are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy that will be gifted to an under-privileged child. This will be coordinated by Rotary Umhlanga. The event is free to attend and starts at 18:30.
“As we endeavour to position Umhlanga Coastline as one of the top tourism destinations in the world, we rely on locals to ensure that visitors feel the warmth and hospitality of the city,” said Mbusi Sokhela, Umhlanga Tourism events coordinator.
Sabelo Didi, vice-chairperson for Umhlanga Tourism, said the forum was extremely grateful to sponsors, committee members and industry stakeholders who collaborated with them.
“It has been very tough the last few years, and this is our first festival after Covid, floods and the chemical spillage. Occupancy is looking good, not just for hotels but also for self-catering apartments, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses. Tourism is not fully recovered, but the numbers are looking better than last year,” he said.
Businesses, he said, are definitely looking forward to a very busy summer season.
“This season promises to be the best summer season after the notorious Covid-19 Pandemic,” he added.
Commenting on the Summer Festival, he said locals and tourists have a lot to look forward to, such as carols by candlelight at the Pearls Mall, the fun run/walk and beach activities at the Millennium Stage.
“We pride ourselves as a safe and secure tourist destination, and we have a number of hardworking stakeholders who ensure safety for locals and visitors alike. However, just like any big city in the world, we encourage our esteemed guests and locals to still be vigilant,” he added.
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