So keen was I to find out more about the Northern Arts Festival that I was early for the press conference – in fact I was exactly 24 hours early – what a duffus!
Undeterred I presented myself once again at 1:00 pm the next day. Unfortunately some of the other invited and honoured guests were late. At least they arrived – conspicuous by their absence, though, were a number of fellow media houses. Maybe I am wrong but my policy around these type of events is that they deserve as much exposure as possible – even when they have rival/complimentary media instances as ‘media partners’. “Die Son sien alles”
Anyway, festival director Billy Paulson wears his heart on his sleeve and appears absolutely genuine in his love and gratitude for his staff and the wider community – it takes lots of strength to do so. A strong belief in doing the right thing and sticking with it shows in the sixth rendition of the Northern Arts Festival – maybe this year I will haul my lazy ass off to experience it.
Northern Arts festival director Billy Paulson
A jam packed programme of activities can be expected at the 6th annual Northern Arts Festival held at the Marock Road sports grounds in Sanctor in Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth from 21 to 24 September.
This year there is an entry fee of R5 per person for every day of the festival.
The broad spectrum of arts and cultures will come to life as the Northern Arts Festival puts on a show celebrating various forms of art through a variety of activities planned over the four days that the festival will run.
The annual Cleary Park Shopping Centre/Northern Arts Festival 5km Family Fun Run takes place on Saturday, 22 September from the Cleary Park Shopping Centre at 7.30am. The route follows through the community of Arcadia, Sanctor and Salsoneville, and ends again at the Cleary Park Shopping Centre sports field (next to Build It).
There is fun for the entire family, and the little ones will be taken good care of in the larger than ever before kiddies playground. There will be fun rides, face painting, toys, and games to entertain the children while the rest of the family can enjoy the entertainment on offer.
The entertainment line-up taking place on two stages at the festival grounds remains a highlight, with performances expected by well known local artists.
According to festival director, Billy Paulson, the festival has always been a celebration of local talent and giving a platform to the host of local performers in the city to perform to crowds of thousands of people.
“The community shows up in their thousands to support local talent, which is an amazing experience to witness. This festival really is about bringing everyone together to celebrate the arts and our shared heritage,” said Paulson. The highlights on the line-up include New Afro Teenz, Gino Lee, Shoe Lace, Spectrum dance group, PE’s Finest dance group, Life Line and many, many more. There is a host of exceptionally talented local artists on the line-up who have large followings in the community who are expected to blow the crowds away.
On Saturday, 22 September, the Duidelik Kleurvol Music Spectacular will feature a “bring back the stars” show with Lionel Peterson, Felicia Marion and Melvyn Matthews. Both Peterson and Marion are legendary national artists, and are currently part of a tour around the country with Jonathan Butler. Marion is the singer of the mega hit, “Paradise Road”, and has performed alongside Hugh Masekela. A first for the festival will be a performance by popular local superstar, Donna Afrika, who hails from the Northern Areas of the city. Afrika has performed at festivals around the country, and is also a leading stage performer in the city.
A grand opening parade takes place on Saturday, 22 September at 10am from Standford Road in front of the Cleary Park Shopping Centre. The parade procession will include the SAPS band, boys brigade bands, drum majorettes, marching drill squads, artists, performers and the biker community.
Festival director, Billy Paulson, explains that the objective of the parade is to place back into the spotlight the traditions of the Northern Areas, such as the boys’ brigade which has been around for years and is known to promote good values and instil discipline amongst its members.
The parade is expected to become an annual feature, and as Paulson says, “to be the biggest parade the city has ever seen!”
The parade procession will proceed from Standford Road, into Rensburg Road, pass the former Dower College, straight down Rensburg Road until the four way stop and left into Esterhuizen Street, and left into Marock Road to the festival grounds. There will be road closures for the duration of the fun run and parade, which is expected to end by 11.30am.
Another highlight is the national theatre production, Platform 9, with its all star cast presented by the Northern Arts Festival on Saturday, 22 September at the St Martin De Porres church hall. The celebrity cast includes 7de Laan actor, Theodore Jantjies and Isidingo actor, Maurice Paige. The show is produced by 7de Laan actor, Christo Davids.
The popular local production, My bra se tjirrie, will run on the Friday, 21 September and on Monday, 24 September at the Moravian Church in Arcadia.
The festival ends on a high note on Monday, 24 September with a cultural display in celebration of Heritage Day.
Promotional flyers with information on the full festival programme and the road closures will be distributed to the community during the days building up to the festival.
Contact the Northern Arts Festival.
