’Plain fest returns with a bang
Now in its 16th year, the DStv Kyknet Mitchell's Plain Festival, in association with Heart FM and the Plainsman, returns with a vibrant and jam-packed programme, from Friday November 29 to Sunday December 1 at Westridge Gardens.
Proud event organisers, Cycle of Life, says over the years this event has firmly established itself as a premier social gathering in Cape Town, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each year.
It continues to be a beacon of hope and unity, providing opportunities for the Mitchell's Plain community and beyond.
Cycle of Life says one of their proudest achievements is the creation of over 1 000 jobs annually through the festival.
Each year, the festival draws thousands of visitors who support close to 100 SMMEs, home-based businesses, and start-ups. Importantly, it demonstrates to the broader public that Mitchell's Plain can host a large-scale event in a safe, professional setting.
The fact that more than 50% of the vendors have been with the festival for over a decade is a testament to the festival’s long-standing success and the unwavering support from the local business community, says the organisers.
This year, over 700 applications were submitted for vendor spots, however, only a limited number can be accommodated due to high demand.
Beyond employment, the event plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by the local community. It highlights Mitchell's Plain as a stable and vibrant area for business, offering a vital platform for local artists to showcase their talents while earning an income.
The event is much more than a festival – it has become a community ritual where residents and their families, as well as friends from across the Western Cape, come together to celebrate the positive developments within their neighbourhood. For many first-time visitors, the experience is so powerful that they return year after year.
In recognition of the unwavering support from the local community, Cycle of Life announced the return of free entry for pensioners on Sunday December 1.
Tickets are selling fast and are available from Shoprite, Checkers, and Computicket. Prices range from R50 for children aged 6 to 12 and pensioners aged 60 and over, to R80 for individuals aged 13 and above. Please note that tickets will cost R10 more when purchased at the gates.
Parents are urged not to allow any children under-12 to come to the event unattended by an adult. No person under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances will be tolerated at the festival.
Since its inception, the festival has maintained its commitment to promoting family values by ensuring a no-alcohol policy, a promise they have kept for 16 years.
The festival also shines a positive spotlight on Mitchell's Plain, reaching tens of millions of South Africans through various media channels, including social media, newspapers, radio, and television. For once, the organisers say, the conversation surrounding Mitchell's Plain is about its ability to unite in celebration, rather than the usual narratives of crime and gangsterism.
They are particularly proud that all the staff involved in organising the event hail from Mitchell’s Plain. Similarly, the overwhelming majority of performers, DJs, and entertainers are also from local Cape Flats communities.
The festival’s growing audience from outside Cape Town highlights its increasing tourism potential, which they aim to develop in the future.
Funding remains one of the event’s biggest challenges, and Cycle of Life says they are incredibly grateful to their loyal sponsors for their continued support.
For more details about the festival, contact Sharon Austin at 021 439 8000 or email sharon@mitchellsplainfestival.com