Jazz festival returns to original home

The 2016 Jazz on the Lake will make its way back to its original home to welcome Spring on 4 September.

Some 20 000 people are expected to attend this year’s edition of the festival at Zoo Lake after it was moved to the James and Athol Gray Park last year due to a double booking with a cycling race. The aim is to celebrate a new season, to give back to Joburg residents and to promote arts and culture.

“Last year’s venue for the jazz concert worked out extremely well and the concert was well received,” said Roshnie Moonsammy, festival director and co-ordinator.

“However, Zoo Lake is the home to Jazz on the Lake and certainly best suited for this event, and it’s here to stay for many years.”

Read: The Sunflower Fund fun walk at Joburg Zoo

According to Moonsamy, all residents have been informed about the event and there are discussions with the residents’ forum to ensure that all is done accordingly. “We will adhere to council policies on noise pollution in the suburbs around the venue and cooperate with the environment service.

“Last year some of the residents were disappointed that the annual festival did not take place in its respective home because they use the event to market their community to others, and themselves to their community.”

Fran Haslam, Zoo Lake users committee chairperson, expressed her delight at the festival’s return, saying all residents and the community at alarge are invited to share in the community spirit of a fun and memorable event. “We look forward to working with the organisers, the City, police and Metro police to ensure a safe and well-organised event,” she said.

Organisers warn that all residents will be required to obtain a resident’s pass a few days before the event. A kiosk at Moyo Zoo Lake will be set up where residents can collect these passes upon presenting identification and proof of residence.

The festival will start at 11am and is expected to end before 6pm. Artists include Seun Kuti and his 14-piece band from Nigeria; Paco Sery from Ivory Coast and his Parisian jazz band, and various others.

Jazz on Lake this Sunday 4 Sep. Expect road closures surrounding Zoo Lake 7am-7pm. @CityofJoburgZA @RK_Gazette pic.twitter.com/Z5MLgdMdr1

— Tim (@jozi117) August 30, 2016

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