There’s no better way to celebrate the sunshine than with shiny cars, beer and the blues!
Car Connexion will transform an open field and its dealership in Bonza Bay’s Motor City into a brand new event on Saturday.
Octobeer Fest includes a display of classic and exotic vehicles and live acts such as The Long Forties, James Free, Left Said Dread and headliner the Rob Thompson Band.
The event will also be raising funds for the Reach for a Dream campaign, with main sponsor Premier Hotels & Resorts selling spit rolls, and all proceeds from sales going directly to the foundation.
Car Connexion director Kyle Hart said: “There will be an exciting display of supercars, including classics and exotics. Everything from Ferrari to Porsche and so much more.
“As we head into summer, we wanted to shake the dust off and have a weekend of live music, fun and cars ... I hope that we can all come together and make this an event to remember.”
The event was initiated by Car Connexion’s Enya Hattingh and Jess van der Westhuizen, and they collaborated with Steven Daniel and Gary Paton from the event’s company Sweatshop.
Co-organiser Daniel said that ticket sales were looking good, and the aim was to have Octobeer Fest as an annual event.
“Ticket sales are going well for EL. Early Birds are sold out and we are well into our first phase of ticket sales,” Daniels said.
“East London is notorious for late buys, and with payday on Friday we are expecting it to spike.
“Because they have to be limited, we have staggered the phases for buyers by number of tickets.
“The earlier you buy your ticket, the cheaper the ticket price.
“It really helps with stock control and safety for the event. Phase 1 is R180 and Phase 2 at R200 online. Then R250 at the door.”
“We have so much on offer — car show, great bands, food stalls, kiddies play area and amazing prizes to be won.
“It's going to be a great day, families bring your kids! Kids under 12 get free entry along with a free cooldrink and hot dog.
“There will also be a face painter, babysitters and a jumping castle.”
Headliner Rob Thompson was an underground legend, Daniel said.
“He rocked the house down at the Hogsback Blues Festival and will be bringing some of that spunk to the event.
“Rob is a talented blues rock guitarist from Gqeberha.
“He studied jazz and classical guitar at NMU [Nelson Mandela University]. His talents span genres, allowing him to collaborate with a range of groups and artists.
“As a musician myself, I remember Rob was the band of the festival, and it’s all low-key.
“He doesn’t have an online presence and hasn’t released anything yet, so it’s all word of mouth.
“But he is incredible! I loved the way this relatively lesser-known underground band came out on stage and absolutely shocked the crowd with just how good their music is.”
Thompson, 36, said he could not wait to share his music with the metro.
“I’m super-excited about the event, really keen to play some heavy blues rock and showcase some original music to the East London audience at an event like this.
“Also super-keen to share the stage with these local bands.”
Daniel said: “The other bands playing are just as great, local acts.
“The Long Forties have come out of the woodwork to solidify themselves as one of the best local bands around.
“Even the show opener is top-notch, South Bear, who has a release listed on Spotify’s SA Indie Rock playlist, which in my opinion is quite a feat.”
Octobeer Fest runs from 3-10pm on Saturday. Tickets are available at www.sweatshop.co.za and at the door at R250 a person.
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