The crowd that walked through the gates at the William Herbert sports complex over the weekend, bear testimony to the good vibes and all-round positive energy at this year’s three-day Southern Mail Wynberg Family Festival.

Young and old came from across the city and even abroad to attend this year’s edition.

“The event turned out a smashing success considering the change of venue. We had just over 12 000 people attending,” said festival director, Rozario Brown.

“Festivals of this nature is great in terms of nation-building, contributing towards greater levels of social cohesion between different communities, it helps build local pride and gives small businesses the boost it needs,” said Mr Brown.

Candy floss seller, Quddar Daniels from Hanover Park, looking to make a sale at the weekend’s festival in Wynberg. Picture: Fuad Esack

He said although their regular slot at Maynardville Park was unavailable for the dates needed due to a production taking place at the neighbouring amphitheatre, the new venue worked out well.

“This festival is special because of the different race groups attending. Also, I love the fact that we had people from France, Denmark, the UK and some African countries attending,” he said.

Mr Brown said that grappling with the logistics can be a headache but thanks to a great team effort and the support of the festival sponsors, the media partners, which include Southern Mail as its official print media partner, and various key stakeholders, everything went according to plan.

As always, the fun rides remained a crowd favourite at the weekend’s Southern Mail Wynberg Family Festival, with revellers patiently waiting in long lines for their turn to have an adrenaline rush. Picture: Fuad Esack

“Our greatest challenge is always ensuring that our events are safe and professionally managed. Finding the right corporate partners and sponsors remains a huge challenge to us considering the state of the economy. However, after 32 years in the business, you always find the right solution to your unique challenges,” he said.

Having fun has no age limit says Kaylene Fortuin, pictured having a go on the swings at the weekend’s community festival at William Herbert. Picture: Fuad Esack

Young Kai Davids, 8, riding shotgun with his dad Christopher at the weekend’s Southern Mail Wynberg Family Festival. Picture: Fuad Esack

Ngqiqo Gwele, from Kuils River, celebrated her 10th birthday at the weekend’s festival. With so much to do, eat and see, what more could a girl ask for. Picture: Fuad Esack

Strandfontein’s Kyle Wyngaardt, second from left, aka DJ Rolstoel, one of the featured artists at the weekend’s festival, takes a moment between sets to take a family photo. Also pictured, from left, are, Melvina Kleinhans, Gary Wyngaardt, André Kleinhans and Sharon Wyngaardt. Picture: Fuad Esack

Bulelwa Gwele, from Kuils River, tries to catch her breath and, by the looks of it, appealing for time out on one of the more hectic rides, at the weekend’s weekend’s Southern Mail Wynberg Family Festival. Picture: Fuad Esack

Omilenathi Mngqibisa, 4, from Parklands in the driver’s seat at the Southern Mail Family Festival, at William Herbert. Picture: Fuad Esack

Salt River Fire Station firemen, from left, Joseph Sellar, Nkosinathi Nkosi, Mthandazo Hafi and Ayanda Sikwana looking relaxed but ready for action at the weekend’s festival in Rosmead Avenue. Picture: Fuad Esack

From left, Jade Nine, Ashley van Schalkwyk, Kendra Petersen, Heather Lyn Damon and Keisha Damon find the best seat in the house, close to the main stage, at the weekend’s festival. Picture: Fuad Esack

Kaashifa Isaacs, Elliot Pinto, a visitor from Tanzania, and Damien Stemmet pause for a quick pic, at the weekend’s festival. Picture: Fuad Esack

Nadine Benjamin from Mitchell’s Plain, who has been teaching in South Korea over the past few years, took time out with family and friends to pop in at the weekend’s festival while on holiday in the city. Picture: Fuad Esack

Makanaka Sami Sami, Pee Ndlovu, Eussy Mutumbi and Quinton Jackson taking it easy at the weekend’s community festival. Picture: Fuad Esack

Bookworms Melissa Williams, Cayleb la Grange and Niyaaz Sambo after picking up a few good reads at the weekend’s Southern Mail Wynberg Family Festival. Picture: Fuad Esack

Food truck vendors Gibson Helyson, Happy Kalulu and IT guy-turned-pizza chef, Shahid Stegmannn at the weekend’s festival in Wynberg. Picture: Fuad Esack

Chelsea and Kaylin Jackson, from Retreat, out enjoying themselves at the weekend’s festival at William Herbert sportsground. Picture: Fuad Esack

Friends, from left, Ruben Phillips, Rozanne Solomons, Kayla Dodgen and Marlin Davis take the customary selfie on arrival at the weekend’s festival. Picture: Fuad Esack

Besties Uzair Hendricks and Wayden April, from Manenberg, out and about at the weekend’s festival. Picture: Fuad Esack

Khayrah Fredericks catching the vibe close to the main stage. Picture: Fuad Esack

Devolution Dance Fam leader Shamieg George and his crew bring the “gees” during their stint on stage. Picture: Fuad Esack

Devolution Dance Fam crew member Jesse du Toit, from Mitchell’s Plain, shows them how it’s done during his group’s live performance. Picture: Fuad Esack

Devolution Dance Fam’s Jasckha Douw getting down on stage on the final day of the three-day festival. Picture: Fuad Esack

Crowd-pleaser Jarrad Ricketts closing the weekend festivities, at William Herbert, in his trademark fashion. Picture: Fuad Esack

Vuyokazi Ntshinga, from Plumstead, gets into the groove during Sunday’s final set. Picture: Fuad Esack

#live-music

Good vibes only at Southern Mail Wynberg Family Festival 2025

Legacy Meets Tomorrow: Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025 bridges generations