Street parade to launch bicentenary (POSTPONED)

The town will be woken up this Saturday with a lively street parade to launch the year-long Project 200, marking Grahamstown's bicentenary (POSTPONED – see update below)

Around 203 participants, including an army of stilt walkers, marimba and steel bands, dance and choir groups, will be marching at midday from Somerset Street to High Street. Leading the charge will be Mayor Zamuxolo Peter.

Special guests and speakers expected to attend include the Honourable Justice Lex Mpati and land reform minister Gugile Nkwinti – both of whom were active in black rugby history. The organisers have promised a variety of events to please the whole family.

These include free balloons, face-painting, jumping castles and candy floss for the kids. Adults can enjoy stage performances and recreational activities such as chess games. Refreshments, including dry and packaged foods will also be on sale during the day.

According to a Makana Municipality media statement, Project 200 is in partnership with stakeholders such as the National Arts Festival, who will be spearheading the launch. "This year marks 200 years since Grahamstown was established.

In order to recognise this milestone, on 4 February 2012 there will be a launch of Project 200. The theme is 200 years – reflect and imagine… the making of a great place to be," reads the statement. "This great occasion presents the people of Makana an opportunity to build bridges of understanding between the communities.

The emphasis is on what the residents have in common with each other, while acknowledging that the town came into existence as the product of warfare. "Over its 200 years, the town has become a unique and special place in South Africa," read the statement.

Launch postponed until 18 February

Notice from Ntombi Baart, Municipal Manager, on 31 Jan:

Makana Municipality and the National Arts Festival wish to announce that the Street Festival planned to launch the City of Grahamstown's 'Project 200' has been postponed from 4 February to 18 February 2012. 'Project 200' is a year-long series of events and occasions which reflect on the achievements of the people of the City over the past 200 years.

The decision to postpone the Street Festival was taken in consultation with the South African Police Services Disaster Management after a full and detailed analysis of the logistics surrounding the event and consideration of the available resources, and was taken to ensure the safety of all participants, businesses and residents of Grahamstown.

One of the reasons for the postponement has been an increase in the scale and scope of the event from what was originally envisaged, due to enthusiasm from the community to participate. The resulting logistical challenges and pressure on resources and infrastructure has necessitated additional planning to ensure the safety of the public and all participants.

The organisers regret the postponement, but are adamant that public safety should not be compromised in the planning of an event of this scale.