The Knysna Oyster Festival, also known as “South Africa’s Premium Sport and Lifestyle Festival” encompasses a range of top quality athletic events as well as cultural and culinary activities. The Knysna Oyster Festival 2015 is a great event to attend as it offers fun activities for your whole family. It also gives you the opportunity to test your athletic capabilities in competitions with participants from across South Africa. Knysna accommodation offers festival goers a variety of upmarket places to stay. The first festival was held in 1983 under the guidance of Dick Ginsberg and Rose Smith. Since its inception the festival has grown to be a much anticipated event. Due to the high volume of participants, accommodation in Knysna is in demand during this period.
When is the Knysna Oyster Festival taking place?
The Knysna Oyster Festival is an annual event which is loved by locals as well as sports-lovers nationwide. This year’s event will be held 3-12 July.
Who should attend the festival?
The Knysna Oyster Festival caters to a diverse range of interests and it is attended by an array of guests every year. If you are a sports enthusiast or a party lover, this is the event for you. With a range of fun children’s activities the festival is also ideal for a family day out. The event’s comprehensive programme has contributed to its popularity.
What does the Knysna Oyster Festival programme include?
With more than 100 festival events there is something for everyone at this year’s Knysna Oyster Festival. The action-packed programme features a range of fun activities and entertainment options. Motion film festivals, night markets and family hikes are just some of the exciting highlights of the festival. Mark Lottering and Tumi Morake are scheduled to provide an entertaining evening of comedy.
While parents are kept busy with sporting events and entertainment, children can participate in engaging activities. From sand art to face painting there are plenty of fun events for all ages on the programme line-up. Other activities, that young guests can look forward to, include beading, cooking and crafting. For 8 to 12 year old festival goers the up cycled herb garden and flower arranging activities are both fun and educational. Young art enthusiasts can have fun and develop their skills by partaking in the Crayons on Canvas, Nature’s Portrait or Painted Wall Mural art activities. The Kindersmusik Musical Vehicle provides excellent entertainment for all ages. The puppet show, Liekieland Bilingual Children’s Production and Boidanza dance also appeal to young visitors. A great way for children to develop their entrepreneurial skills is to take part in the Lemonade Day South Africa activity. You can buy lemonade at their stand to show your support for their amazing work.
For party lovers and guests who are over 18 years old, the Opening Bash Balloon Party is a not-to-be-missed event. The Festival laser party, which features DJ Maloo, is another option if you are looking for night-time entertainment. If deliciously prepared alcoholic beverages appeal to you, then be sure to attend the Cocktail Party which is hosted at Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa.
Athletes won’t be disappointed by the sporting events at the Knysna Oyster Festival 2015. The Momentum Weekend Argus Knysna Cycle Tour is presented by Rotary. The cycling routes for this event are accessible to a range of levels and ages. The routes encompass beautiful scenery through the Knysna forest. The Oyster Festival Gymkana is a motorsport event which tests the entrants’ abilities and speed. Other sporting events include soccer, netball and basketball. The Junior Golf Tournament caters to 12 – 16 year old golfers. Other athletic events include the Athletics SWD Knysna Marathon Club Street Miles, Big 5 and Big 5 half marathon, Momentum Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and the Tabasco Knysna Classic Golf Tournament.
What are some useful tips for festival goers?
A top tip for guests to the event is to book accommodation in Knysna before the event. With plenty of great Knysna accommodation options, you are sure to have a pleasurable stay. Hotels and guest houses are located in the vicinity of the festival. Another option is to stay in self-catering accommodation.
During the week, the programme starts at 11am and finishes at 10pm. The opening times are 1pm – 12am on the Friday and 8am-6pm on Saturday.
The Knysna Oyster Festival is easy to reach as it is connected to the surrounding cities by the N2. From Knysna George is located 60 km away and the Wilderness is only 50 km. Cape Town is situated 500 km away while Port Elizabeth is 280 km away.
If you want to get more information, you can also refer to the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival guide. These guides are available from selected tourism offices.
Does the Knysna Oyster Festival 2015 benefit charities?
Raising money for charities is a core value for the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. Last year more than R2 million was raised and the festival aims to exceed this amount at this year’s event. All the official events are required to contribute to a local charity. Local Loeries is just one of the fantastic initiatives which are involved with the festival. The Local Loeries mentor people who have limited resources with the goal of assisting them to set up sustainable businesses that cater to local festivals. Financial support is also offered to talented athletes who cannot afford the entrance fees for festival competitions.
Which well-known athletes can festival goers expect to see at the festival?
The Salmon Featherbed Trail run is an athletic race at the Knysna Oyster festival which Didishe Sinesipho is expected to perform well in. The current Big5 Sport Challenge champion, Carla van Huyssteen is scheduled to compete in the 2015 race. Another well-known athlete, Theo Blignaut has also entered into the Big5 Sports Challenge.
For more information on the event, click here.
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