A new addition to the Stanford village annual event calendar blew in this year and promises to be a colourful highlight of 2018. The 6 and 7 of April will give rise to the first ever Herfsfees Village Festival.
The festival aims to become a unique collaborative event – for the village, by the village. Regina Bronner, who will be co-ordinating the opening parade that will feature Klopse (pictured right), drum majorettes and more, comments: “Festivals are about fun and having a good time, and our Herfsfees is hopefully going to have a lot of that. But a festival also brings the community together, and inspires the individuals to engage with and celebrate each others’ diversity. This is our aim too. And if we can give local people the opportunity to acquire some skills from the more experienced, it’s a win-win scenario.”
No event is quite complete without a specially curated live music line-up, which is another box ticked off on the list of attractions at Herfsfees. Well known names in folk and world music will take to the stage and the festival’s music curator, Carsten Rasch explains: “The festival itself was conceived of because it was felt that we needed to celebrate all aspects of life in a typical Overberg village. One way of doing that is through a Mardi Gras-like parade in which all the people of the village will participate. Another, of course, is through music. Music has this amazing ability to cross boundaries.”
Line-up of bands
So, a blended line-up of soulful sounds was born. Nick Turner, Tribal Echo, Ibuyambo, Hatchetman, Gert Vlok Nel, Taleswapper, Mr Cat & The Jackal (pictured left), Dubmasta China, Dax Butler and the Hearts of Darkness, and last but not least, The Time Flies (special appearance) will all be adding to the groove of diversity and a fine spectrum of sound. Tickets for the performances will work on a unique merry-go-round basis, offering festival goers an opportunity to experience as much as possible – one ticket will give buyers access to all five shows.
There will also be a more-ish selection of food, wine and craft beer stalls on offer. All the local wines will be available, and if you don’t feel like a take-away, you can book a table at one of Stanford’s restaurants.
Planet Play is even joining the party – festival guests can leave youngsters to play in a secure environment under the professional supervision of local facilitators. Mask making, face painting, puppetry and play are all on offer to entertain the children.
Another engaging addition to the festival programme is the interactive workshops focused around music presented by Dizu Plaaitjies, Nick Turner and Tribal Echo. Dubmasta China (pictured right), will also do a DJ workshop to inspire budding local DJs. The workshops tie in with the organisers’ wish to marry entertainment with a skills exchange programme.
“Our idea was to pull the village together through a festival celebrating our differences and making creative expression a part of our daily lives”, says festival director, Howard Krut.
What: Herfsfees Village Festival
Where and when: Stanford Village on 6 and 7 April 2018
Book: Webtickets
Visit: Herfsfees
WS
