PHOTO GALLERY: Bloemfest 2018 a massive success
The banks of the majestic Bloemveld Dam were abuzz with excitement as music fans gathered for what was to be an epic experience, the first music festival of it's kind in Vryheid, Bloemfest 2018.
IF you were anywhere but Bloemveld Dam this past weekend, you absolutely missed out on a magnificent musical milestone for our talent-laden town.
The banks of this majestic dam were abuzz with excitement as music fans gathered for what was to be an epic experience for all concerned, the first music festival of it’s kind in Vryheid, Bloemfest 2018.
Main organiser of the event, Khalia Schmitting, had the following to say, “Bloemfest was an absolute success,” she writes. “We were blessed with great weather and a fantastic turnout. We are so priveleged to have our very own talented bands in Vryheid who never fail to blow us away, and I’d just like to thank them for giving up their time and effort for us to raise funds for the SPCA, a cause close to all of our hearts. I’d also like to give a big thanks to Oom Lucas and all the Vryheid Boating Club members for sponsoring the venue,” she adds. “What a stunning site to have our first of many Bloemfest festivals.”
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Tiaan Kruger, who also played a big part in making Bloemfest a reality as one of the organisers, writes, “I’d like to thank all you Bloemfesters for an eventful evening and a big thank you for all the support that went towards this special cause. We hope to see you all back next year for an even bigger and better Bloemfest.”
Music fans turned out in their numbers to support the Vryheid SPCA just by purchasing their tickets and being treated to a spectacular show of local talent, including Dominique de Wet, Charlene Louw, the dancers from Unity Dance Studio, Packet o’ Peanuts, Black Wiskey, Bridge6 and DJ Gav. Basically, if you bought a ticket to Bloemfest, it was certainly money well spent, as the proceeds of the event went to Vryheid SPCA, a struggling NGO that has been running on its own steam for several months already as funding from local government has dried up.
“The SPCA is a cause that is so close to my heart,” adds Khalia Schmitting, “and since the municipality stopped funding them last year they are in desperate need for help. We really need to pull together as a community and help with funds. Stephan Vickers, the Vryheid SPCA chairman, has had to pay salaries from his own pocket and, if things don’t change, they will have to close.”
See next week’s Vryheid Herald for the handover of the funds to Vryheid SPCA as well as the list of sponsors who contributed to the monumental success of the first, but certainly not last, Bloemfest music festival.
