PACKED FESTIVAL LINE-UP EXPECTED TO ENTERTAIN CROWDS

The time has arrived for the annual Northern Arts Festival and this year the organisers are promising an even bigger and better show, with more than 100 performing artists taking to the stage.

The festival takes place from 23 to 26 September at the Varsvlei in Sanctor and kicks off with an exciting Bilson Music Awards gala dinner on Thursday, 23 September.
A flag hoisting ceremony takes place on Friday, 24 September and an All Star music show with a kiddies play-land runs from 24 to 27 September. 

Local writers, poets and drama groups will be given the perfect opportunity to improve their skills at workshops held on Saturday, 25 September while performing artists will entertain the crowds with song and dance.

On the final day of the festival the Northern Arts Gospel festival is expected to draw large crowds from all over Nelson Mandela Bay.

Throughout the festival visitors can browse the wide variety of stalls on show with products ranging from fast foods, fresh produce, clothing and fine art exhibitions.

Local groups to look out for at the Northern Arts Festival will be Afro Teens, Rockets, Donay, Nelville Nash and many more. The Northern Arts Festival is currently in its fourth year running.

Festival organiser, Billy Paulson, said the festival will be of an “international standard.”

“We have learnt a few lessons from previous festivals and also from the success of the World Cup. People of all ages will be catered for,” he said.

Security will be strict, with the SAPS, traffic officials, emergency services, disaster management and fire services all on hand to assist.

“Safety is our priority so our guests can feel safe to bring their entire family to the festival,” said Paulson.