The programme for the 2013 Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, taking place from 28 June to 7 July, is nearly complete, with new and exciting events joining the stable of old favourites. Last year’s programme sported more than 100 events and it is clear that this year’s festival will top that number. With so many events on offer and a week of school holidays before and after the festival, why not stay for a while? You’ll find your ideal self-catering, bed and breakfast, guest house or boutique hotel accommodation at www.exploreknysna.com.
A new event, the Pick n Pay Women’s Walk, will take place on Sunday 7 July. This is a popular 5km event that takes place across South Africa and raises funds for PinkDrive, an organisation that provides free breast cancer screening and health education for women who cannot afford it. Although breast cancer is an important issue that all women should be aware of, men are also encouraged to take part in the walk – as long as they’re wearing pink!
The Young Oyster Festival is gaining in popularity each year, providing an environment for kids to have a blast. Aside from the regular events such as cooking lessons, arts and crafts, movie screenings, sport clinics, and exciting competitions, this year will see a dedicated Kids Zone complete with popcorn, candy floss and all things necessary for exciting and entertaining kids.
Older kids will enjoy an all-new fun fair as well as obstacle courses and exciting events and competitions at The Yard, Knysna’s local skate park. And the whole family will enjoy an all new 10-day local food and craft market at the main venue on Waterfront Drive. Details on how to enter the Miss Knysna Oyster Festival will also be available soon.
But there wouldn’t be a festival if it weren’t for our oysters. This year’s Pick n Pay Flavours of Knysna, taking place on Wednesday 3 July, will truly showcase Knysna’s restaurants as they once again prepare oysters according to their own, unique recipes, with other delectable treats prepared by Pick n Pay and a variety of wine also available on the evening.
The oyster shucking and oyster eating competitions are always very entertaining and well attended, and this year they have been combined, along with a comedy feature. The Tabasco Shuckle – on Fire with Nik Rabinowitz will take place on Thursday 4 July at the main venue on Waterfront Drive. To get your tickets early or to enter this fun event, click here.
The festival has a longstanding relationship with the South African Navy, especially the local Sea Cadet unit from the Training Ship Knysna. The Admiral’s Ball is a firm favourite on the festival’s calendar with music provided by the incredibly talented SA Navy Dance Band. Presented in co-operation with the Knysna Featherbed Company, the 2013 ball on Friday 5 July promises to be an event not to be missed.
The festival hopes to welcome two naval ships through the Knysna Heads this year on Tuesday 2 July – weather permitting. The Navy also presents other fantastic events on the festival calendar, including the Right of Entry Parade which incorporates precision drilling and music from the marching band, displays by the Knysna Sea Cadets and the ever popular concert by the SA Navy Band which unofficially closes the festival.
While those lucky enough to have entered in time are looking forward to old favourites such the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour and the Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon, there are many exciting developments on the programme to look forward to. These include loads of live entertainment, a rooftop drive-in, food and music pairings, food and whiskey pairings, a brandy tasting, the popular local design market and a craft beer project. And of course all the old favourites are back.
Head on over to www.pnpoysterfestival.co.za for the comprehensive program and regular updates, and visit www.exploreknysna.com to make sure that you’ve booked your accommodation in time. Knysna truly is the place to be during the school holidays this July, so come along – you’re guaranteed to have the best ten days of your winter.
