George Gears Up for Dazzling Displays at the Unity Park Light Festival

The upcoming weekend in George is set to be a luminous affair as Unity Park on York Street hosts the much-loved Festive Light Festival on Saturday, December 7, 2024. A cherished annual event, this festival, starting at 4:00 pm, promises an evening brimming with joy, community participation, and an array of dazzling lights.

As the sun sets, attendees will be treated to an array of performances beginning with light music and followed by heartwarming renditions from both church and children’s choirs. Highlighting the festive spirit, the segments will include both gospel music and Christmas carols, culminating in the highlight of the evening—the official lighting ceremony. At 8:00 pm, George’s Executive Mayor, Alderlady Jackie Von Brandis, will light up Unity Park, symbolically reminding everyone that "Jesus is the light of the world."

The event also serves as a platform for showcasing local talent with performances scheduled from notable artists such as Geraldo Lewis, Fernando Fredricks, Zintle Langa, Lorenzo Pretorius, Maxwell Matiwana, and the mesmerizing beats of Fanatics-SA, a popular stage band. Their performances are set to electrify the atmosphere, further enhancing the celebratory mood.

Adding to the festivities, approximately 40 stalls managed by George Municipality’s Community Development division will circle the park. These stalls will host a variety of offerings from delicious food choices to handcrafted arts and toys. For those interested, the deadline to apply for stall space has passed, but late applications might still grab a spot if submitted by Wednesday, December 4, 2024, with all proper certificates in order.

For the safety and convenience of attendees, certain sections of St Marks Street and York Street will be closed to traffic from noon until 9:30 pm on festival day. Khanyisile Fortuin, the Festival Coordinator, confirmed that detailed signage would guide both drivers and pedestrians around the closed areas.

Security and safety are paramount for the organizers. As such, the George Municipality’s Traffic and Law Enforcement teams will collaborate with SAPS, local neighbourhood watches, and private security firms to maintain order and security throughout the event. Additionally, to ensure a family-friendly environment, a strict no-alcohol policy will be enforced throughout the festival.

The festivities will wrap up at 9:30 pm, but the impacts of this event are intended to last much longer. "Residents and visitors are encouraged to come in numbers to support this special event, which celebrates both the season and the community’s unity," Fortuin remarked. The Festive Light Festival in George is more than just an event; it is a celebration of community spirit, shared joy, and the magical atmosphere that only this season can bring.