The stunning coastal village of Plettenberg Bay with its many pristine beaches has long been a hotspot for tourists of the local and international variety thanks to its stunning natural assets and a variety of one of a kind attractions. These include Cruise the Crags home to the Elephant Sanctuary, Birds of Eden / Monkeyland / Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, not forgetting the famous Robberg Nature Reserve and Bloukrans Bridge Bungy for the adrenalin junky thrill-seekers. Even in the middle of Winter, there are opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of Plettenberg Bay.
Apart from much needed economic benefits that can be derived from Arts Festivals, they serve to improve perceptions of places and people and thereby enhance local image and identity. Often attendees at many festival towns say they come away feeling more positive about the place where the festival was held. Not that Plett needs promoting.
Nevertheless, it comes as no surprise that it is all systems go for Plett Tourism to start this year’s Plett ARTS Festival, especially after the Covid pandemic put a damper on the last 2 years. Due to South Africa’s move to COVID Stage Four they had to postpone the 6thinstalment of the Plett ARTS Festival – scheduled for 10 – 20 July 2021 – to the new dates of 1 – 9 October 2021.
Plett ARTS Festival 2021 is Themed “Expect the Unexpected”, and is aimed at ‘’celebrating the finer things in life’’.
To keep festinos safe, strict Covid-19 regulations will apply, including limited capacity at events, wearing of masks, sanitising, well-ventilated venues and online ticketing. In addition, Plett outdoor spaces are to be used as much as possible. Performances and exhibitions of all manner take place in unexpected places, so one can explore and adventure in the wild and at the same time in the arts.
Plettenberg Bay Tourism chief executive Patty Butterworth said this year’s festival is geared to put Plett attractions, restaurants and “secret gardens” centre stage. Organisers said performances and exhibitions would therefore take place in “unexpected places”. Although the venues will be interesting, the artists will still enjoy the spotlight on “these amazing stages”.
The programme will include some recognizable Plett Arts Festival favourites from over the years, including an array of entertainment, food and drink as well as art exhibitions, street festivals, performances, film screenings and wine. Look forward to locally produced Garden Route wines to enhance good conversation while enjoying the compelling film screenings and exhibitions. The popular Plett Twilight Meander will again occur during the festival period where one can take to the open streets of Plettenberg Bay for a memorable evening of admiring art under the stars. Plett Fringe will again connect open-minded visitors with gifted poets, actors and comedians. Back on the programme is the Plett Winter School, which was first introduced in 2018. This involves teaching young and old about various art disciplines. “Bring your old dog and learn some new tricks,” said Butterworth.
A unique element of this year’s festival of the arts is Enviral Landart which introduces interactive experiences of guided landart creation during hikes or while kayaking or canyoning. This encourages visitors to embark on various outdoor adventures that Plettenberg Bay is well suited for, and be met by art and song in wild, outdoor and unusual places. Get ready to be elevated by good music at Plett Sunsets and look forward to numerous contemporary, classic and jazz performances on ocean and river waters, surrounded by the natural assets of the stunning Garden Route.
Bookings for this not-to-be-missed festival, taking place from 1 – 9 October 2021, is available on Quicket. Digital streaming options will also allow those at home to experience parts of the event online via Social Media, whilst a continually developing programme promises to excite those attending from all walks of life, near or far.
For more information, visit www.pletttourism.com, or when in town Plett Tourism is located in the Melvilles Centre at the start of Main Street (near the dolphin roundabout).
Some sad news for those who were thinking of flying in to Plett is that all commercial flights from South Africa to this award-winning holiday destination of Plettenberg Bay have been suspended as a result of the aviation authority SACAA downgrading the airport. This was confirmed to News24 by SACAA communications manager Marie Bray that it’s inspectorate had “met and had a discussion with the Bitou Municipality to address severe non-compliances relating to the aerodrome, in the interest of aviation safety and security”. The nearest airport is at George approximately 100 kms away.