Western Cape peak events period continues this weekend

The Western Cape’s peak events period continues, with a range of events taking place across the province this weekend.

Tomorrow (18 March 2017) the Cape Town Carnival, one of the city’s biggest street celebrations, takes place along the Fan Walk in Green Point. Under the theme, AMAZA– Ocean Odyssey, 2 000 performers will line the streets.

On Sunday (19 March 2017), the Absa Cape Epic begins, marking the start of one of the world’s greatest mountain bike stage races.  The race attracts international riders and an international viewership.

Minister Winde said March was a peak month for events in the Western Cape.

“The Western Cape is a world-class and versatile events destination. This weekend we are hosting a range of large-scale events which create jobs for residents. The Cape Town Carnival is an excellent economic boost for local entrepreneurs and also offers a platform for residents to showcase their creativity. Organisers are expecting around 50 000 people at the event.

“On Sunday, the Absa Cape Epic starts at the Meerendal Wine Estate. It is the world’s most televised mountain bike stage race and garners global exposure for our destination. Later this month, around 37 000 jazz fans will be in the city for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.”

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais said the month of March is a global highlight on the calendars of both the sport and cultural sectors. Minister Marais said, "It is during this month that the Western Cape becomes the meeting spot for sportspeople, especially cyclists and cultural enthusiasts from across the world. The Absa Cape Epic, the International Tennis Federation Young Seniors World Championships, the Cape Carnival, the Zabalaza Theatre Festival and the Fleur du Cap Awards, all hosted this weekend, showcase the diversity of the Western Cape and promote the province as the sport and cultural destination of South Africa. More importantly, these world class events bring people from all spectrums of society together and ultimately accelerates unity, fosters tolerance and acceptance, reinforces healthy living and rebuilds civic pride and community participation".