Shake out the sequins and polish the tiara as Knysna hosts the mother of all parties.
Got to make a move to a town that’s right for me;
Town to keep me movin’ keep me groovin’ with some energy.
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Lipps Inc. already sang about Funkytown in 1980, and they’ve finally found that town that’s right for them as Knysna becomes Funkytown for the 2014 Globeflight Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival from 30 April to 4 May.
Synonymous with Knysna and held in the Garden Route’s funkiest town since its inception in 2000, the Pink Loerie will celebrate its 14th birthday in style. It’s party party party with a full Mardi Gras programme. From the Pink Candy Gat Party to 5FM’s Catherine Grenfell spinning the decks at the Globeflight Hero Official Afterparty, from Miss Butch & Miss Femme to the ManHunt and Pink Liquid Libido White Funky Town Party, all pretty party animals will find their fancy tickled. And when you drag your drag off the dance floor in the early morning sunlight, head to the Pink Loerie Flea Market at the Knysna Mall upper level (next to Standard Bank) for some retail therapy and a chill-out at the Barefoot wine garden.
And there’s loads more on the programme, including the fabulously famous street parade down Knysna’s main drag on Saturday 3 May. Join lavish locals and glamorous guests in cheering on the colourful floats and those beautiful creatures who take part in the parade – many of whom are doing so in aid of charity. And speaking of charity, organisations like the Loeriehof Old Age Home, Mayor’s Social Relief Fund and Knysna Animal Welfare all benefit from various events held as part of the rainbow-coloured revelry.
Originally started by local businessmen searching for a way to inject a little cash into the local economy during the traditionally slow month of May, the Pink Loerie has grown into THE event on the national LGBTI calendar (no, that’s not a sandwich, it’s the collective name for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex community). And also making waves on the international events calendar, Knysna is proud to once more fluff its feather boas and glitter its heals as it looks forward to a funfair filled with fabulous friends – are you joining us?
There’s still some accommodation available in town, visit www.exploreknysna.com to book your ideal room. And visit www.pinkloerie.co.za for programmes, entry forms and more info on the festival.