SPLASH FESTIVAL MEDIA LAUNCH

Left to right Noxolo Nqwazi (SRAC) , mayor Danny Jordaan, Muneer Abader( Cell C), CLLR Babalwa Lobishe (Event Organiser: Soul Good ) and nigerian wrestler Kilimanjaro.

On 8 March 2016, the NMBM’s Sports, Recreation, Arts & Culture Directorate hosted the media launch of this year’s annual Splash Festival, taking place at Hobbie Beach from 25 – 28 March 2016. The launch took place at the South Boulevard Café in South End and was attended by Executive Mayor: Dr Danny Jordaan, SRAC ED: Noxolo Nqwazi, Acting Portfolio Chairperson for SRAC: Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, Event Organiser: Soul Good and Corporate Sponsor: Cell C.

In addition to the regular features the Splash Festival is known for (200+ Craft stalls, live entertainment and water sports), the Directorate unveiled the new highlights of the forthcoming event. Based on prior success, the event will host a wrestling tournament with wrestlers from: USA, Canada, India and Nigeria. The Splash Festival will also include another new feature which has become a worldwide phenomenon known as “bossaball”, a team sport that originated in Spain. It is similar to volleyball, but also includes elements of soccer, gymnastics and capoeira. An inflatable court with integrated trampolines on each side of the net, allows players to bounce high enough to spike the ball.

Known for its variety of live entertainment, the Splash Festival will host national artists such as: Kurt Darren, Winnie Kumalo and Bricks, who will be supported by 15 local artists throughout the weekend. Other features include the National Volleyball Championships, Jet-ski races and a deep sea angling competition.

Organisers were pleased to announce that R3.5 million has been invested into Splash 2016 to ensure that the event is bigger and better than last year’s, by bringing corporate sponsor: Cell C on board. For the first time in many years, the festival will return to its 4 day format, including a line-up of activities on Monday, 28 March 2016.

During his address, the Mayor said: “The Splash Festival is one of the premier events on the calendar for this Metro. Annually, the Splash Festival heralds the busiest, most active and greatest sports season period in NMB. The Splash provides a platform for social cohesion and unity that will bring the people of the Metro together. The Municipality is committed to raising the profile of this event. We know that with the combined intensified efforts, this Splash Festival will be a success.”