Summer festival set to sizzle

The Summer holidays are just around the corner, and where better to spend those languorously gorgeous sunny days than at one of Amanzimtoti’s world-class beaches?

Immerse yourself in the Indian Ocean’s warm tropical waters or just soak up the blazing South African sun while enjoying the beauty of one KZN’s best kept secrets… the Upper South Coast.

The jam-packed Sapphire Coast Tourism’s (SCT) Summer Festival is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, 10 December with activities for the entire family.

Get into the Christmas spirit on 10 December, with the official lighting of the Christmas tree at 7pm on the promenade.

Also, enjoy the night market between 4pm and 9pm which will have a variety of stalls, delicious food and great local music.

Also taking place on the opening day is Turning Point – Amanzimtoti’s ‘Say No To Violence’ graffiti project.

The project is part of Turning Point’s (previously known as Amanzimtoti Trauma Unit) support for the national 16 Days of Activism campaign, which aims to eliminate violence and abuse against women and children.

“Our aim is to use art to create a visual feast with hundreds of vibrant and colourful images regarding violence and abuse against women and children.

We want to invite the entire community to be active participants in the fight to eliminate violence against women and children,” said Turning Point centre manager, Loraine Odendaal.

While spray paint will be provided, the public is encouraged to take along templates, paint brushes, old T-shirts and anything else they need to contribute towards this unique piece of public art.

For the duration of the festival, there will be a free–timed Park Run every Saturday at Amanzimtoti main beach, a great opportunity to exercise as a family.

There will be non-stop fun and entertainment daily between 17 and 31 December, excluding 26 December.

This will include music by local DJs, touch rugby, tug-of-war, beach volleyball, talent competitions and much more.

Children are in for a treat with face-painting, treasure hunts, puppet shows, sandcastle building and water games.

On Wednesday, 28 December festival-goers will have an unique opportunity to experience the virtual reality Navara adventure, promoting the all new Nissan Navara, which will launched in March.

Stand a chance to win a three-night weekend adventure with Getaway Magazine to the value of R20,000, an all expenses paid holiday and to be featured in the magazine.

The Umnini Dam New Year’s Extravaganza is set to be a day of non-stop celebrations, with live entertainment, music, food and much more.

“We look forward to welcoming all our visitors, especially those from outside KZN,” said SCT chairman, Monique Botha.

“There will be an abundance of activities for the entire family, especially the children, so make your way down to the warm Amanzimtoti shores for fun and entertainment not to be missed.”