Table is set for Innibos National Arts Festival

The Innibos National Arts Festival, a decadent celebration appealing to all five senses, will captivate audiences from June 27 to 30 in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, just a short drive from major cities.

Marking over two decades of an impressive journey, this year’s festival theme, Winning Recipe, perfectly encapsulates its diverse offerings.

Sandra Jacobs, the media and marketing manager, explains: “Innibos presents a unique blend of ingredients, much like a winning recipe. It invites attendees to craft their festival experience, appealing to their tastes and senses.

“Innibos stands out for its rare fusion of arts, bringing together music, cuisine, wine, theatre, art, and literature in one enchanting setting. Few events match the comprehensive spectrum of attractions found at Innibos.”

Although Innibos is renowned for its Afrikaans theatre productions, the festival recognises the universal language of art, transcending linguistic boundaries as art, theatre, and music unite people, fostering social cohesion.

“The festival embraces multiple languages and cultures, creating a space where differences are celebrated, and common ground is discovered. It serves as a powerful reminder that our shared love for the arts surpasses any linguistic or cultural divides,” says Jacobs.

Poetry Slam makes a comeback, addressing ethical and social issues through spoken word poetry. In addition, the satire A Street Taxi Named Desiree will take you on a wild goose chase from the viewpoint of a taxi driver, taxi passengers, and even observers. Well-known actors such as Sandra Prinsloo and the stand-up comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout are also featured on the programme.

While theatre remains a cornerstone, Innibos is equally celebrated for its music spectacles.

Theatre lovers can enjoy Nataniël in Concert, a contemporary music production by Koos Kombuis and Valiant Swart, and musical productions like Mixtape van die Liefde, alongside pop music concerts such as Boys R Back – the Ultimate Boy Band Show.”

However, it’s the main stage concerts that truly shine, where the spirit of enjoying good music in a festive atmosphere comes alive. Up to 30 000 people attend these concerts every day.

“Music has always been one of Innibos’ highlights and will be again this year, with our main stage concerts offering prime entertainment every night,” says Jacobs.

The cream of Afrikaans musicians — from Appel and Bok van Blerk to Francois van Coke, Spoegwolf, Bernice West, Demi-Lee Moore, Elvis Blue, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, Swing City, and Refentse — will grace the main stage each night.

The Alternative concert on Saturday night features Zaan Sonnekus, Heuwels Fantasties, Mathew Gold, and Coenie Naudé. All concerts are included in the daily gate entry fee.

Parents can unwind at the Vineyard on the main festival grounds, which offers all-day entertainment, delicious deli food, and wine tasting from various estates.

The children, on the other hand, will be kept busy by SPAR Woelwaters, which offers theatre productions, cupcake decoration, and activities that ensure children will be ready for an early bedtime.

Despite challenging economic times, Innibos offers exceptional value for money, with a three-day pass costing only R660 per person, which is less than the price of a three-course dinner at an inexpensive restaurant.

Entrance fees to the festival grounds are charged per person, per day (children 12 years and younger enter for free): Thursday, June 27, R210; Friday, June 28, R260; Saturday, June 29, R300. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketpro.

Pensioners (60 and older) pay R160 per day, per person. These tickets are not available online but can be purchased at Gate 1 during the festival or from the Innibos office in Faurie Street, Sonpark, Mbombela.

For the full festival programme and links to ticket sales, visit innibos.co.za.