On Sunday, Buffalo City Metro will shine bright when mayor Princess Faku officially switches on the lights for 2024’s festive season.
The spectacular display of Christmas lights, estimated at a cost of R5m, will kick off a fun-filled celebration at the Baby Lee Jegels Recreational Park, popularly known as “the Stoep”, on the Quigney beachfront.
The event will feature live performances by local and national artists, children’s entertainment, a magical fireworks display, and food stalls.
The event’s headliner acts include multi-award-winning artist Sjava and Nkosazana Daughter.
Local talent will also get to show attendees what they are made of.
BCM spokesperson Bathandwa Diamond said a fun-filled festive season was in store.
“Our beaches will be open for those who want to laze around.
“For the young at heart there are many adventure activities including whale and dolphin watching, ziplining, quad biking, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and so on.
“Nature lovers can do nature walks at our nature reserves or enjoy game drives in some of our game reserves,” she said.
Precautionary security measures would be put in place.
“The city has put together a detailed safety and security plan that will ensure the city has an incident-free festive season.
“Our infrastructure will be secured throughout the festive season.
“The city is encouraging local citizens and visitors to use the space [recreational park] for their picnics, birthday parties and more,” she said.
She said the switching on of the lights indicated the start of the festive season.
“The switching on of the festive lights is an event where the executive mayor delivers a message of goodwill to the visitors and its citizens.
“It is also an event where the executive formally declares the start of the season and encourages locals to behave during the festive season,” she said.
New lighting designs would also add to the wonder of the spectacle.
“There are new ferry designs that will thrill children, which will enhance the atmosphere.”
She said the event gave local artists a platform to generate income and showcase their talents.
“The goods and services used are sourced from local companies.
“The event also attracts a number of people from outside Buffalo City, from the nearby areas, who spend the night here.”
A waste and environmental directorate had been established to ensure the city remained clean throughout the season.
“There are plans put together by our solid waste and environmental management directorate to ensure that our city is kept clean throughout the season.
“The security cluster has put together a clear safety and security plan including crowd control and emergency services.”
Diamond said the switching on of the lights coincided with matrics having written their final exams.
She assured that proper security would be in place during the event.
“The event is alcohol-free. Safety measures are in place to ensure the safety of everyone attending.”
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