Organic produce, healing crystals and natural crafts are among a wide variety of “wholesome living” goods being offered to visitors at the 20th MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival this Easter weekend.
The new Lifestyle Marquee will showcase various product ranges focusing on quality of life and healthy living at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth from April 2 to 5, says festival spokesman Loryn van Eck.
“This marquee will house dynamic, quality products, including organic deli-style foods such as health breads, olives and cheeses, quiches and pies, kudu delicacies, salami and many more tasty treats.
“Other natural product ranges include health and beauty care, hand-crafted silver jewellery, holistic crystals, ceramic arts, mosaic and pewter products.”
The lifestyle section is set to create a unique experience for visitors, who will also have an opportunity to sample specialised coffee blends and gourmet pastries, according to Van Eck.
She says the festival houses 190 stalls this year, with all areas being revamped to allow for specific areas to showcase more specific products. The application criteria were also more stringent, says Van Eck, ensuring a “higher standard and improved variety” of product.
The Food Village is always popular and includes traditional South African fare such as biltong, boerewors, Karoo lamb and koeksisters, as well as dishes from around the world.
Van Eck says international food include German bratwurst, Dutch croquettes, Portuguese prego rolls, North Indian cuisine, Italian pizza, Egyptian swarmas, Japanese sushi, Chinese tempura and sweet treats. “Halaal and vegetarian diners are also catered for.”
Other stall areas guaranteed to create a buzz include handmade crafts, leather belts, jewellery, wind chimes, wire crafts, hand-carved furniture, picture frames, clothing, exotic plants, sisal baskets and even pets’ clothing.
The Soccer City marquee is set to create a sporty vibe, with loads of displays and interactive activities designed to create enthusiasm for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Apart from the stalls and marquees, this free family festival features international water sport events, beach and community sports, live entertainment and children’s activities.
Daily headline acts include Nadine and Gerrie Pretorius (Friday), Gang of Instrumentals (Saturday), the Organics Jazz Trio (Sunday) and Mango Groove (Monday).
A Comedy Festival (Sunday) – introducing Michael “the fly” Arthur, The Improvables, Tall Mo, Barry Hilton and Loyiso Gola – is another first for the festival. The Bay FM DJ Search will bring the curtain down on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Kids will be treated to the Stage World production Pinocchio’s Easter Escapades, magicians and clowns. An Easter Egg Hunt and Kids’ Zone complete the playground, while Stef the Hypnotist will entertain young and old alike.
Fireworks will light up the sky on Saturday evening.
For more information, contact the festival office on 041 393 4844 or visit www.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