Summer set to sizzle with fun, events

IN THE blink of an eye, summer is upon Nelson Mandela Bay again, and with an exciting menu of sizzling summer events to tantalize locals taking leisure at home or visitors to the city, this festive season is set to be easy-going and exciting.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism has teamed with the municipality’s events unit to bring this year’s summer season to life. The season kicked off with an early bang with two big concerts featuring Josh Groban and Judith Sephuma, and the inaugural IRB Sevens World Series leg, Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens tournament. From then on in “it is music and magic” say organisers.

“We have so much to offer in Nelson Mandela Bay. Of course, our 80kms of beaches are a major drawcard for holiday-makers – and the fact that we have the fourth best coastal weather in the world, makes those beaches event better,” said Mandlakazi Skefile, NMBT chief executive.

“But holidays are not only about relaxing – they also about having fun – so that’s what we at NMBT and the municipality are set on providing for locals and visitors.”

Some summer highlights include the official opening of summer season on December 16, flush with fireworks and entertainment at Hobie Beach. On December 17, Café Mecca, Richmond Hill will host a music festival.

Less than 10 days later 5FM hosts their 5FM sizzling summer line-up on December 23 at Denville beach, next to McArthur’s Baths. On that note McArthur’s Pool and Leisure Complex has reopened for the summer season following repairs, the municipality confirmed last month.

The lead up to the New Year’s celebrations promises to be “hype building”. Eastern Cape singing sensation Zahara – recent winner of three MetroFM awards – will perform at the Zahara Music Festival at the Adcock Stadium on December 30. There will be Carols by Candlelight, beach promotions, and also general entertainment centred in the local townships, on the beaches and in urban hotspots.

New Years promised to be a bash. The municipality is hosting parties on Hobie Beach and Wells Estate in Motherwell, and MetroFM’s Urban Beat Tour will keep the beach rocking at New Brighton Beach.

For more information watch the press or visit www.nmbt.co.za.