VIDEO + GALLERY: Festival of lights hosted at Joburg Zoo
The festival kicked off with performances from two-time Sama nominee Timothy Moloi and the popular Joburg Ballet.
Joburg Theatre in association with the City of Johannesburg entities – Joburg City Parks and Zoo and City Power – are excited to present the second annual Festival of Lights, which commenced on November 22 and will continue to January 3 next year.
The festival marks its second year on the Jozi Festival calendar by offering a treat for all ages. Following the successful turnout by Joburgers last year, the festival promises once again to present an unmissable line-up of live performances including music, ballet, dance, Christmas carols, opera, food and night market at the Bandstand.
“The festival offers a unique experience for the citizens of South Africa. It has truly been a challenging year for us as a nation and I encourage patrons to come out in numbers by wearing masks and keeping a social distance whilst enjoying the tranquil offering that Joburg Theatre has compiled,” said councillor Margaret Arnolds, MMC for Community Development at the City of Johannesburg.
This year, the Festival of Lights has added new features to join the magnificent animal sculptures together with illuminated trees within the Zoo, combined with exciting live entertainment offerings.
The festival kicked off with performances from two-time Sama nominee Timothy Moloi and the popular Joburg Ballet.
Festival-goers, children and adults alike, can expect an exciting and informative performance from the People’s Theatre until December 6. Now celebrating over 20 years of bringing great entertainment, the People’s Theatre promises to bring sparkling fun that all ages will enjoy.
“We are thrilled to present the festival once again, we embrace social distancing and Covid-19 regulations and promise to deliver a highly entertaining, world-class programme.
“Festival of Lights is an unmissable experience and offers a unique family festive experience in a safe and nocturnal environment,” said Xoliswa Nduneni – Ngema, chief executive officer of Joburg City Theatres.
From December 8 to 13, audiences will enjoy a truly unmissable experience of all things contemporary and hip-hop dance from the talented Art of Dance hailing all the way from Ennerdale. These SA’s got Talent 2017 semi-finalists will have your jaw dropped on the amount of passion and talent they ooze.
“This will be followed by Tribhanghi Dance Company from December 15 to 20 transporting audiences into a world of rich culture fusion. Tribhangi means ‘three bends in a body’ which is demonstrated through their unique presentation, challenging experimentation, enthusiasm and energy – hallmarks of every Tribhangi performance.
“Patrons are encouraged to bring out their picnic blankets and enjoy food and beverages for all ages from the food stalls.
“Place-making in the City to afford residents a unique after-hours experience in the build-up to the festive season, is vital to nurture healthy minds and vibrant communities,” said the excited managing director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Bryne Maduka.
The week of December 22 will feature a singing Christmas tree with Sempre Orchestra and choir spreading the Christmas cheer with their exciting entertainment.
Festival-goers will be treated to Christmas vibes all round until December 27, except on December 25.
The festival will wrap up on a high with a festive market on December 31 and January 1, 2021, followed by incredible performances from Shef and the Kitchen Music, a live-performing international band from Orange Farm in the South of Johannesburg, and Bongi Mthombeni an award-winning stage performer, actor and soulful musician with a string of accolades within the arts.
Tickets for the festival are available at R90 for pensioners, R75 for children and R150 for adults online at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670 for group bookings or www.webtickets.co.za and at selected Pick n Pay stores (full list at www.webtickets.co.za/pnpoutlets.aspx).
Patrons can also buy tickets by visiting the Zoo, which is only accepting card transactions for purchasing tickets or for walk-ins. Block bookings also available, contact Tlhopiso Sera on 011 877 6815.
