Latest news with #JenniHonsbein
The Herald
01-07-2025
- The Herald
Kirkwood Wildsfees a big success at new venue
It was all hands on deck in the town of Nqweba when the annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees had to find a new venue. In less than two months, a patch of veld became a festival village, which attracted thousands of festinos to the Sundays River Valley. 'We are very happy with the numbers,' festival director Jenni Honsbein said. 'There is a perception that our country is all about safaris and Table Mountain, but as you travel across the country you discover these hidden gems and we must diversify our offering,' she said at the opening of the event. 'The Wildsfees is unique because it is not just a celebration of wildlife, but also culture and community. 'It is also a powerful showcase of what tourism should be. It should be inclusive, educational and above all, joyful.' Festival board chair Paul Marais said: 'The Wildsfees is truly a community festival. It is said that adversity either divides or unites people. 'The very successful move of the festival from its traditional home at Kirkwood High School has demonstrated the power of the community — and how much the Wildsfees means to the people of the Sundays River Valley. 'Business community members freely provided advice on how to transform a patch of veld into a festival village, and provided equipment and supplies at cost price or for free. 'The traffic department, SA Police Service and the municipality were also wonderful in their support of the move. 'Our contractors and service providers excelled themselves. 'Our decision to go ahead with the festival was largely based on their assurances that they could create the wonderful venue in record time.' A community initiative two weeks before the opening saw residents of the town from all communities taking to the streets — with brooms, shovels, paint brushes and spades to spruce it up ahead of the 22nd annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees. Community volunteers painted and mounted the rubbish bins, cleaned the verges, painted their gates and road markings and picked up rubbish. Nonprofits and sports clubs which have benefited from the Wildsfees in the past gave their time and energy for free. The annual Kirkwood Wildlife auction turned over R12.6m, which is back to pre-Covid-19 levels, according to Marais. 'It was a great effort by the team, SA National Parks and the other breeders,' he said. A black rhino bull from the Mountain Zebra National Park sold for R170,000, while four male buffaloes from Kwandwe sold for R155,000 each, according to Brandon Leer auctioneers. The festival ran from June 27 to June 29. The Herald
The Herald
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Star-studded line-up set to light up Wildsfees stage
More than 30 of SA's top musical acts will take centre stage from June 27-29 as the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees returns for its 23rd year, promising a weekend packed with entertainment, family fun and unique experiences. Headlining the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency ( ECPTA) main stage on Friday June 27, is popular band Spoegwolf, which will close out a dynamic line-up that includes Die Piesangskille, Droomsindroom, Fatman, Bibi, Jennifer Zamudio, and GQ Ruan van der Kuil. The star-studded programme for the Saturday features performances by Bernice West, Kurt Darren, Rubber Duc, Eloff, Ruhan du Toit, Irene-Louise van Wyk, Refentse, Jakkie Louw and Danny Smoke, with Jan Jan Jan set to headline the evening. The Sunday offers a more relaxed vibe, with acts such as Wynand and Cheree, Keanan Eksteen, Blackbyrd, Ivan Roux and Manie Jackson rounding off the weekend. 'This year's festival truly has something for everyone,' festival director Jenni Honsbein said. In addition to the live performances, the festival will feature more than 300 specialist stalls, animal and equestrian shows in the MTN Arena, pony rides, as well as new vehicle, agriculture and outdoor expos. A highlight for many will be the Walk on the Wildside experience. According to organiser Mandy Roets, the exhibit will include a tourism showcase by 12 of the Eastern Cape's top destinations, educational wildlife talks with live reptiles by Mark Marshall, the Iziko Mobile Museum, an Addo Elephant National Park display, bee-keeping demonstrations, a dinosaur experience, and the launch of a new tourism product by Ron Mackenzie of Small Town SA. Families can look forward to a sprawling family play park, and fans of pop culture will enjoy photo opportunities with cosplayers dressed as popular action characters. All shows and activities are included in the entrance fee. Ticket prices are R120 per day for under 18s, adult day tickets are R250 on Friday and Saturday, and R200 on Sunday. Pensioners (65+) qualify for a 50% discount on Sunday. Weekend passes are available at R250 for youth and R500 for adults. Festival gates open at 9am daily, with main stage performances running until 11pm. The Herald
