festival gets better

After a slow start on Friday evening due to the inclement weather, the Jive Boland Festival hit a high note on Saturday evening when people stood in long queues to gain entry to the fundraising event held at the Daljosafat Stadium in Paarl in aid of the Paarl Muslim Jamah. With a new, streamlined setting and a more professional set up, the event is marking its 13th year in a big way in 2012.

It is particularly the new settign that has drawn much enthusiasm from visitors. Speaking to Saturday Live, Yusri Abrahams from the organising team, said the new setting provided not only a greener, bigger space, but also offered a spectacular view of the Boland town. “People don’t have to walk far to get to the entrance anymore as we’ve moved to the other side of the field, (closer to the entrance)," he explained.
"It is much cosier and the fact that we have the Club House right next to us is fantastic.” Abrahams said because new grass had been planted on the field used last year, they were compelled to move to the opposite side since stadium holders would not allow any tents to be pitched or fires to be made on the newly laid grass.

He reported that Friday's inclement weather, which caused heavy rains in Cape Town, had affected their attendance on Friday, but many still turned out to enjoy a lovely evening. “It is amazing seeing these people fill up the stadium for the 13th year now and we appreciate the fact that many of them have to travel great distances to get here,” said Abrahams.

Entertainment

A big annual draw card is the live entertainment, ranging from qasida groups to other local performances, like the Khayelitsha based opera group, Heavenly Quartez. The youth were particularly drawn to the 20 carnival rides in the fun fair, as well as the drifting which for the second year in a row brought in large numbers of car enthusiasts. With more than 100 stall and over 20 exhibitions at the festival, along with a host of food stand, visitors are spoilt for choice and great bargains to vie for in a warm, communal atmosphere.
But while Saturday was a bumper, day, Abrahams said they have an equally full line up for th last day on Sunday. “We have a variety of entertainment lined up for festival goers and exciting sports events on the last day.” Abrahams said that well known singer Zane Adams and South Africa’s Got Talent winner James Bhemgee are among the highlights.

At the same time, there are good causes to support. “The Physical Disabled Institute will also be having their finals at the festival tomorrow and we want people to come and support these participants from all nine provinces to cheer them on.” Abrahams explained that the participants who win the disabled sporting event will head overseas to compete against other countries.

Meanwhile, there are buses available for those who do not have transport from various parts of Cape Town. “We are organizing these buses especially for the pensioners and those without vehicles at only R50 from Cape Town to Paarl and back,” Abrahams said, adding that this cost includes a breakfast voucher and free cool drink at the entrance.

“If you have not joined us for the past two days, then make your way to Paarl. We want you to come and experience the Jive Boland Festival and leave with a memorable experience,” Abrahams urged. The entrance fee is R15 for adults, R10 for pensioners and R5 for children. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)