The 38th Standard Bank National Arts Festival in Grahamstown will be held from 28 June to 8 July this year. If you're planning on attending the festival for the first time this year, there are a few tips for you to consider:
The 38th Standard Bank National Arts Festival in Grahamstown will be held from 28 June to 8 July this year. If you're planning on attending the festival for the first time this year, there are a few tips for you to consider:
• Festival first-timers should book shows ahead and plan carefully. Allow enough time to tour the town, to shop at the craft fairs, to view exhibitions and to fit in shows that are creating a stir.
• Dress informally, but expect unpredictable weather. Jackets and scarves should be carried with you, as it may get bitterly cold. Wear comfortable shoes.
• Tickets, if still available, may be bought 30 minutes prior to the starting times of shows.
• Get a copy of the Festival Programme, as it contains all the information you need for both the Main and Fringe events. It will be on the internet from Sunday. Hard copies will be available at the end of the month from the Makana Tourism office, the Monument, Van Schaik book store, Postnet and Standard Bank.
• Take advantage of the freebies. There are free Sundowner Concerts every day at 5pm in the Monument Foyer. Some art exhibitions and street performances are free. Go “craft-gazing” at the Village Green Fair and Church Square.
• A venue map can be found at Information Centres, hotels and residences. Detailed maps of Grahamstown may be purchased at the Makana Tourism Office at 63 High Street.
• Programme changes will be prominently displayed at the booking offices, and in Cue, to keep you updated on cancellations and changes. Starting times are strictly followed, but allow 50 minutes between performances, as no refunds on tickets will be made for late arrivals
• Cue is the daily Festival newspaper. It contains daily schedules, updates and programme changes, reviews and articles written by leading arts writers.
• The timetable for the Festival Hopper buses will be printed on the back of the venue maps. • Bring a large bag to carry your programme, souvenirs, sunscreen, umbrella and jackets.
For more information, contact the National Arts Festival on info@nationalartsfestival.co.za or at 046 603 1103. Visit their website at www.nationalartsfestival.co.za, or pay them a visit in the 1820 Settlers Monument on Fort Selwyn Drive.
The Box Office opens on 7 May at the Monument, and Computicket at Checkers. Booking online from Computicket will be open by 15 April.
