Ramsgate Book and Art Festival was a top-class treat
Exploring best on foot, families and art lovers had a wonderful time.
Ramsgate village’s main road came alive last weekend when the cultural, colourful and community-driven Ramsgate Book and Art Festival took place. Firmly entrenched on the South Coast’s annual events’ calendar, this festival has entered its fourth year.
ALSO READ : Artist Errol Boyley celebrated at opening of Ramsgate Book & Art Festival
Art galleries, restaurants, antique shops, courtyards, car parks and the beautiful Whale Deck were the venues where this event unfolded. The theme this year was, ‘#Connecting – a broad subject encouraging communication in all imaginable spheres, both physical and abstract.’
Festivalgoers were welcomed by a community street festival atmosphere with book and market stalls, special events ranging from author’s talks to art exhibitions, workshops, storytelling, poetry readings, book signings, food stalls, book sales and entertainment.
The event was best explored on foot and families and art lovers received a festival programme at registration at the Artists’ Gallery, as well as a map.
The official opening, by avid supporter and lover of the arts, Sherry Sykes from the US Consulate, took place at The Artists’ Gallery last Thursday in the company of the organisers, sponsors, participating authors and artists.
The opening coincided with the launch of the prestigious and historical art exhibition, ‘Boyley’s World’ – the centenary celebration of the life and works of South African master painter Errol Boyley. Errol and his wife Jocelyn owned the original gallery in Ramsgate.
Hilarious radio talk show host, journalist, author and television scriptwriter Ndumiso Ngcobo, together with crime writer Monty Roodt, charismatic vet, short-story writer and speaker Tod Collins, story-teller Rob Caskie and author Sheila Naidoo added to the splendour of the event. Jackie Phamatso, Elana Bregin and Nick van der Leek added their voices to the panel discussions.
Other entertainment included a live poetry evening, the sassy Black Orchid Burlesque SA dance troupe, swing-jazz singer Natasha Muller, a supper-theatre style show, a youth programme, a sunrise beach meditation, an early morning walk along the beautiful coastline and finally ‘wine down’ last Sunday.
The festival was a wonderful community initiative and was well supported.
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