Key Takeaways
- The Buffalo City Metro is hosting its annual Christmas lights switch-on event at the Botanical Gardens in Qonce on Saturday.
- The event promises to be a safe and vibrant experience with musical performances from local and national artists.
- East London will also have its own lights switch-on event at 8pm, featuring food stalls and children’s entertainment.
- The Qonce celebration will include live performances, fireworks, and food stalls, with a lineup of artists including Cairo CPT, Zuko SA, and local DJs.
- The event aims to provide a fun and festive experience for all ages, with a focus on safety and community engagement.
Introduction to the Event
The festive spirit is in full swing in the Buffalo City Metro as the city prepares for its popular annual Christmas lights switch-on event. This year, the event will take place at the picturesque Botanical Gardens in Qonce on Saturday, promising to be a safe and vibrant experience for all attendees. According to BCM spokesperson Bongani Fuzile, the celebration will feature a lineup of local and national artists, including musical performances, fireworks, and food stalls. The event is expected to be a fun and festive experience for all ages, with a focus on community engagement and safety.
The Decision to Host the Event in Qonce
Fuzile explained that the decision to host the event in Qonce was made to give residents of the area a chance to enjoy the festivities without having to travel to East London. "Qonce is part of BCM, why should we not give them a chance to enjoy the lights switch-on festival?" he said. "For years, people from Qonce have had to travel to East London. It seems only fair we host the event there this year." This decision is seen as a way to promote inclusivity and community engagement, and to bring the festive spirit to a wider audience.
The East London Event
While the main event will take place in Qonce, East London will also have its own lights switch-on event at 8pm, featuring food stalls and children’s entertainment such as face painting, jumping castles, and slides. This event will provide an opportunity for residents of East London to share in the festive tradition and enjoy the holiday season with their families and friends. The event will be a fun and festive experience, with a focus on community engagement and safety.
The Qonce Celebration
The Qonce celebration promises to be a spectacular event, with a lineup of national and local artists, including Cairo CPT, Zuko SA, Loza Wamamfene, and Ronnie Peter, along with local DJs such as Groovie Christ, DJ Mjazz, Sindi Gospel Group, Luphelo Kodwa, and Siphe Mditshane. The event will feature live performances, fireworks, and food stalls, and will cater to all ages. Fuzile said that there would be refreshed light installations, expanded family-friendly zones, and an enhanced entertainment lineup, making it a fun and festive experience for all attendees.
Safety and Security
The Buffalo City Metro is working closely with law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and traffic management teams to ensure a safe and secure event. Fuzile said that there would be increased law-enforcement visibility and the enforcement of municipal bylaws, especially regarding alcohol consumption and traffic control. Additionally, the metro will deploy waste management teams for continuous cleaning, to ensure that the event is environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Artist Interviews
Some of the artists performing at the event have expressed their excitement and enthusiasm for being part of the celebration. Zuko SA said that being invited to share his music with the community during the festive season feels like a blessing. "My aim is to create a powerful connection through music. I want to share love, hope, and positivity with everyone who shows up," he said. DJ Groovie Christ, who will be performing at the event for the first time, said that he is looking forward to entertaining all age groups, especially older attendees. "I’m hoping I’ll be able to reach my target audience, and everyone will have fun and enjoy themselves," he said.
Conclusion
The Buffalo City Metro’s Christmas lights switch-on event promises to be a fun and festive experience for all ages, with a focus on community engagement, safety, and inclusivity. With a lineup of national and local artists, live performances, fireworks, and food stalls, the event is expected to be a spectacular celebration of the holiday season. Whether you’re attending the event in Qonce or East London, you can expect a fun and festive experience that will leave you feeling joyful and connected to your community.
