Sizzling Summer Season in Nelson Mandela Bay
03 December 2010
The countdown will begin with the annual spectacular fireworks display off Shark Rock Pier on 16 December, as part of the official Opening of the Season.
Every year thousands of spectators converge on the beachfront to watch the display and enjoy top live entertainment, with this year’s line-up including Jamali, South African house music duo Liquid Deep and the Mr and Miss Summer Season pageant. NMB Executive Mayor, Cllr Zanoxolo Wayile, will give an opening address to welcome tourists and visitors to the city.
“This world-class demonstration of fireworks is beautifully timed to music and features an outstanding laser show. Those who can’t make it down to the beach can enjoy the fireworks from a distance while listening to the accompanying synchronized soundtrack live on Algoa FM,” said Go Big spokesperson Carmen Malgas.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) CEO Mandlakazi Skefile said thousands of family holiday makers were again expected to converge on Nelson Mandela Bay during the summer season.
“The city has organised a superb summer season programme to keep them busy throughout the season.Families can enjoy live entertainment on the beachfront all summer long, spend a lovely day at one of our Blue Flag beaches, get their adrenalin pumping at Playland, stroll through the beachfront flea markets, or get involved in one of the many beach sport events we have planned,” said Skefile.
Apart from the summer season programme, families can also visit places such as Bayworld, the Homeleigh touch-farm, Windsor Woods play venue, the Pink Fig restaurant set on a suburban smallholding, the Kragga Kamma game park, the nearby Addo Elephant National Park and much more.
At the launch of the summer season at Happy Valley in November, Portfolio Chairperson for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Cllr Maria Hermans, said visitors to the Bay would be impressed with the developments done prior to the Soccer World Cup to improve the city and its services.
“Our infrastructure and establishments are of international standard. Our beaches are world class and we are expecting a sizzler of a summer season,” said Cllr Hermans.
“The Christmas Carols Carnival takes place on 18 December, starting at 15h30 in the Kings Beach parking lot with a display of Kaapse Klopse all the way from Cape Town, drum majorettes and marching bands, who then parade down Marine Drive to Happy Valley. Christmas carols and picnic baskets are then enjoyed under the night sky from 18h00, accompanied by church choirs and bands from across the metro,” said Malgas.
The New Years Eve bash at Hobie Beach will be another highlight, with a performance by national R&B sensation, Danny K.
And of course, what would a summer season be without a massive New Year’s bash, held at two of Algoa Bay’s most popular beaches. Wells Estate will feature a host of local DJs with popular South African rapper Pro (formerly Pro Kid) taking the party into 2011; while Hobie Beach will exhibit an eclectic mix of local rock, kwaito and hip-hop groups, and a performance by the divine Danny K, with a decade of hip-hop hits to his name.
Along with the municipal summer programme is a list of fringe events, with big name entertainers such as Casper de Vries, Four Jacks and a Jill, Gerrie Pretorius and Dozi. A number of summer parties embrace all the tastes of Nelson Mandela Bay’s multicultural community, including the Cellar Cask beach party at Willows on 26 December, and the St Philip’s Parish langarm dans in Despatch on 28 December.
Parents can also rest assured that the successful Lost Kids Campaign will run again this year. All children visiting the Bay’s beaches will be fitted with bracelets bearing their carer’s name and contact details. A Lost Kids Crew, who will be dressed in special clothing, will scout the beaches for any children who appear to be lost or in distress. The campaign will run on December 16, 26, 27, 31 and 1 and 2 January 2011 at Kings Beach, Wells Estate and Hobie Beach.
The South African Police Services will also be out in full force on all NMB beaches this season. Go Big events organizers will also ensure that private security companies are deployed to provide additional security at larger events.
The NMBM has made provision for 65 life guards to be on duty during the summer season to keep the beaches safe for bathers.
For more information call the Summer Season hotline on 072 535 9775.
Author: Angela Zachariasen
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