Community coffers will swell by more than R60 000 after a financial injection from the organisers of this year’s MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival.
Earlier today festival director Glenn van Eck handed a cheque for R63 597.49 to Beulah Lumkwana, chief executive officer of the Community Chest in the Eastern Cape.
Van Eck said the Easter festival, one of the bay’s flagship events, raised money for the organisation by selling more than 180 stall spaces as part of its vision of growth for the region.
“Community Chest is our chosen beneficiary because they are able to distribute the money to several entities that are in need of assistance,” said Van Eck.
He said Splash was devoted to sustainable growth locally and “this money has now, in essence, been ploughed right back into the community”.
“The success of this year’s festival was largely due to financial assistance and support from the business sector, including our sponsors. We thank them for their part in this wonderful event.”
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesman Kupido Baron said the Splash Festival had grown tremendously over the years.
“It is imperative that we, as a prospering coastal city, continue to find innovative ways to ensure its continued growth and that it reaches its full potential not only as a major event for visitors and residents alike, but as a marketing tool for the city.
“If the success of this year’s event is anything to go by, we can look forward to a well-organised and appetising festival that will position our brand favourably in South Africa.”
Baron said providing a potpourri of activities would keep people interested and entertained. He added that it was important to encourage as many visitors as possible to next year’s event.
According to Van Eck, the 2010 festival application process for stalls has opened.
He said stalls would be grouped into crafts, home and décor and outdoor and adventure sections. “There will also be a food village.”
Van Eck said they also envisaged a tented village housing adrenalin sports, health and wellness stalls and holistic and organic products.
He said a stringent application process for stalls applies in line with the organisers’ vision of ensuring a top quality product for next year’s edition, which will run from April 2 to 5.
To apply, contact the Splash Office on 041 393 4844 or stalls@splashfestival.com.
Issued by:
Full Stop Communications
Coetzee Gouws
041 368 4992
082 575 7991
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstopcom.com
On behalf of:
MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival