25 June – 8 July 2018
It’s that time of year again…winter in Plettenberg Bay. The sun rises later, sets earlier, and slightly chilly evenings give way to perfectly calm, mild and sunny days. This is winter in Plett: whales, golden light and the Plett ARTS Festival. Our town celebrates the arts in true Plettenberg-Bay style: with two weeks of live performances, workshops, films, music and more; an arts extravaganza that is now in its fifth year and growing. There is a tremendous amount happening: food, film, fashion, sunset concerts and masterclasses, so we’ve put together a definitive guide to the Plett ARTS Festival. Check your calendar against the schedule here, so you can diarise and book these world-class performances.
The first thing you need to know is that you can get SEASON TICKETS for the Plett ARTS Festival. If you’re planning to stay for a week, a weekend or longer, this is your best option. Season Tickets include the likes of the AfroJazz concert, all AfriDocs screenings, Plett Sunsets concerts and more. Click here to find out what is included in the Plett ARTS Festival Season Ticket package for only R950, valued at R1500. Read on below for your Plett ARTS Festival guide:
MUSIC
A hugely anticipated addition to the Plett ARTS Festival is AfroJazz on 7th July, and held on Central Beach. It is set to be the trendy finale to the Plett ARTS Festival. South Africa’s jazz legends: Pops Mohammed, Dave Reynolds and Friends will be performing their show Pan-African Calling and Femi Koya & the Afrobeat Band are also on the lineup, so expect some seriously vibey jazz! The Plett Sunsets concert series, held on Friday nights during the festival at the Plett Surf Lifesaving Club, will enable visitors to enjoy a sundowner whilst listening to the music of Tim Hopwood, Koos Kombuis and Msaki. Finally, lovers of classical music will be thrilled that international saxophonist Andrew Young will return to the White House during Plett Fringe.
In-line with the musical theme of the festival, Pops Mohamed, Dave Reynolds, Charlton Daniels and Ronan Skillen will be offering a Jazz Workshop, hosted at Skulu’z Lounge on the Saturday morning of the AfroJazz concert. Not to be missed!
ARTS MEANDER & PERFORMING ARTS
There is something unique about strolling down Plett’s Main Street at dusk, stopping here for a glass of wine and stopping there for an art exhibition – this is Plett’s Twilight Arts Meander, held every Thursday during the festival. The only question you need to ask yourself, is where will you stop for dinner: The Med, The Golden Palm, The Table, LM or somewhere else?
On the performing arts front, dancer Mamela Nyamza will be officially opening the festival with her thought-provoking show De-Apart-Hate, emerging artist Wezile Mgibe will be creating a striking installation and actor Luxolo Ndabeni will perform his dramatic show, Stones.
FILM
Plett’s Food & Film pairing event will return to Plett ARTS as one of the favourites of our festivos. The concept pairs films with dishes inspired by the film, location or its theme. Another exciting, new addition is AfriDocs – a compelling collection of the best of African documentary. Meet the filmmakers and share the life experiences of South African legends, makers of history and ordinary people, on the big screen.
PLETT WINTER SCHOOL
We’re very excited about this new concept at Plett ARTS Festival. Plett Winter School will feature workshops and masterclasses on quilt-making, viticulture, print-making, drumming, jazz and African music. Wonderful workshops from which to choose, so you can live and learn at Plett ARTS Festival.
THEATRE & FASHION
Comedian Daniel Richards will keep you laughing through the chilly night at Plett Fringe with his show Land Act and the popular ultra-cool Plett 24 Hour Reunion reunites Plett fashionistas for the fourth edition of this winter favourite.
View the full schedule & book your tickets