Art in the Shade festival weekend looms

It’s finally here! The event everyone has been waiting for is just a few days away.

A festival like none Zululanders have seen before, Art in the Shade gets under way on Friday, and Mtunzini is abuzz with festivities amid final preparations.

Now in its eighth year running, the festival – a Rotary Club of Mtunzini project – is sure to steal the show from Friday, 25 to Sunday, 27 October.

Live music and poetry will take place at Mtunzini Primary School’s field and Nook Bistro, while Mtunzini Country Club will host a Gin and Jazz fest on Saturday evening.

Festivities will take place all over the small coastal village, with Mtunzini Country Club hosting a Bat Chat on Friday evening and a photography gallery and photo café; art workshops at Twigs Coffee Shop; live drawing classes at Zeepos, and fun pet-themed activities at Pawsome Pet Store.

Stilt walkers, magicians, bands and buskers are just some of the other entertainers putting in an appearance at the event.

“I am most excited that it’s inclusive. It’s not just demographically inclusive, but events inclusive,” said Karin Botha, the enthusiastic event organiser and Mtunzini Rotary Club secretary.

She highlighted that everyone showcasing their skills was based on the idea of sharing their passion.

The art of nature is celebrated by weekend mushroom foraging with top mycologist Jon MacGillivray, while bird walks will be led by Zululand’s top bird guides Junior Gabela and Hugh Chittenden.

In the build-up to the annual Art in the Shade festival, 55 bins have been reimagined, as has uMlalazi Nature Reserve’s bridge and the bridge on Valley Road, as well as a few new faces on Zini’s trees.

Friday festivities run from 1pm ‘til late; Saturday from 7am ’til late, and Sunday from 7am to 12 noon.

The General Access Pass at R100 per person gives access to most events, while additional tickets must be bought for the workshops and walks.

The Gin and Jazz Festival costs R50 and can be reserved with Candice van Heerden on 082 3217209. Follow Mtunzini Rotary Club’s Facebook page for final event updates.

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