Celebrating a night of thanks
It is a period of time that has formed friendships which have grown stronger over the years.
NEWCASTLE – The Vodacom Newcastle Winter Festival is a four-day event that is deeply embedded in the community.
However, for those who work behind the scenes, it is a time of extensive planning. It is a period of time that has formed friendships which have grown stronger over the years.
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Last Friday, the Newcastle Winter Festival committee hosted its annual recognition function at Pine Junction.
The purpose of the event was to thank all the sponsors and committee members who dedicated their time, effort and money to a greater cause – that of charity and the upliftment of the community.
“Where do you start to acknowledge everybody who was involved in the 2016 winter festival? It is almost impossible, but your presence here means we appreciate the role that you or your organisation played,” said project manager of the festival, Hennie Pelser.
He emphasised it was through the sponsors’ and committee members’ contribution and hard work, that a staggering 37 000 people attended the biggest event on Newcastle’s social calendar.
Apart from the efforts of the Winter Festival team, the variety of entertainment, 17 professional musicians, the massive tent with 60 exhibitors, 12 different vehicle exhibitions and more prominence given to service organisations, all added to the success of the festival.
“The biggest ‘wow’ factors were the big screens next to the stage and the new funfair with extreme rides. It really made a difference and was well received by the public.”
The Vodacom Newcastle Winter Festival committee identified 33 beneficiary organisations to benefit from R200 000.
Sponsors and committee members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, received certificates of acknowledgement.
