For some, winter is the most dreaded season and has the potential to turn even the biggest social butterflies into homebodies.
However, it is a different story for Hogsback residents and holidaymakers alike as the hilly village comes alive during the coldest months of the year, attracting tourists who pour in to witness the winter snowfall.
This month, there’s much to get up to for locals and visitors with curated programmes and events to add some entertainment to the snow euphoria.
Providing entertainment is exactly what Mlindi Ntloko had in mind when he launched Music In The Snow in 2022.
Annually since then, Ntloko gathers some of South Africa’s most lauded musicians and pulls together an electrifying musical experience.
Ahead of the inaugural Music in The Snow experience in 2022, Ntloko said the concept had been inspired by a previous visit to Hogsback where he sensed a missing element amid all the excitement around the snow.
He said the Music In The Snow experience was meant to add entertainment value to the winter snowfall experience.
The sold-out inaugural Music In The Snow saw internationally acclaimed folk musician Bongeziwe Mabandla, Msaki, Natz EFX and Ikhona Phahlane Zwide heat up the stage and serenade patrons who travelled from different parts of the country for the three-day event.
Seeing the inaugural event’s success, Ntloko said he was inspired to pull out more tricks and introduce more exciting activities into the 2023 programme.
Last year, guests were treated to wine tasting and dinner on the first day, hiking, and music, all wrapped up with a hot meal of potjiekos.
Headlining performers on stage included globally lauded singer Loyiso Gijana, multi award-winning songbird Kelly Khumalo, Zuko SA and Natz EFX.
Returning with an even bigger lineup, this year’s experience will be held from July 26-28 and will see Langa Mavuso, Vusi Nova, Jaziel Brothers, Holly Rey, Zuko SA, Natz EFX and more take to the stage.
Mavuso will return to the Eastern Cape just more than a month after delivering a memorable show that left revellers asking for more at the East London Guild Theatre in June.
Ntloko said the event grew bigger each year.
“The event has a global reach, and most attendees will be coming from outside the Eastern Cape.
“Our goal is to have a national footprint of connecting shuttles from different parts of SA.
“However, so far, we’re content with the level of growth it has achieved as this one is almost sold out, and any improvements would be based on the revellers’ feedback,” he said.
The event will kick off on Friday with a cocktail party, overlooking the beautiful landscape of Hogsback.
On Saturday morning, festivalgoers will join Siya-Torisha Tour Guide and the East London Hikers Club as they take a shot-left on a scenic hiking trail and an opportunity to take “selfies” to the backdrop of Madonna and Child Waterfalls.
“On Saturday afternoon, get ready for the main event with unforgettable soulful live performances headlined by award-winning national artists,” Ntloko said.
“On Sunday, join us as we cozy up around roaring bonfires as we close off the weekend with a Potjiekos Sunday.”
He said this year, all three days had a stellar lineup, instead of having only Saturday as the main show as at previous events.
“All days will be equally as good. It’s three different stages in one weekend,” he said.
This year’s event scored partnerships with various local and national brands including NTT Volkswagen East London, the Eastern Cape Gambling Board, Mpuma Kapa TV, Tanqueray, the Coca-Cola Company and more.
“We’re delighted with the response we’re getting from our partners, and we continue to improve with time, and our efforts are a direct result of the association we’re building,” Ntloko said.
Ntloko said about 90% of the event’s tickets had already been bought. Tickets are available on Quicket.
For those coming to Hogsback earlier, the Hogsback Winter Celebration, also dubbed the Winter Woollies Weekend, will bring a hive of activity with markets, shows and food specials from July 19 to 21.
Also a three-day event, the winter celebration is a collaboration between local businesses to celebrate Hogsback as a “winter wonderland”.
The three-day fun fest will kick off with the Hogsback Winter Quest throughout the village.
Revellers will spend the day visiting various places in the village to answer clues and win prizes.
Other activities on the day include archery at Hogsback Adventures, Woodlands Centre, horse riding at 10 Winding Lane, a Cape Parrot walk from The Arboretum, live music by James Free and Goose at Happy Hogs, a night food market at The Edge Restaurant, Bluff End, massage specials at Simple Sense Therapy, King’s Lodge Hotel, and more.
Saturday’s programme includes the Hogsback Winter Quest, a cycle-abseil combo at Hogsback Adventures, the Hogsback Crafters & Food Market at King’s Lodge Hotel, a belated Mandela Day celebration with cultural dancers and singers, storytelling and the history of Hogsback at Jikani Community Project, a park run from The Bluff, outside The Edge, a trapeze jump and abseiling at Hobbiton on Hogsback, the King’s Lodge 12th Annual Chill Dip at King’s Lodge, a colouring competition and the 2024 snowman competition at King’s Lodge, and a chocolate and coffee pairing at Corner Main Road and Hydrangea Lane.
On Sunday, revellers will enjoy the end of winter quest and prizegiving at the Visitors’ Information Centre, Sunday roast at Woltree Coffee Shop and Farm Stall, fun frontier activities for the whole family at @48main and, to close off the event, a full moon celebration will be held at Fairies Viewpoint, Away with the Fairies Nature Lodge and Backpackers.
The full three-day programme is available on www.visithogsback.co.za.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.