Northsiders celebrate Christmas in July

The festival took place from 3 to 7 July, and there was something for everyone it seemed – from games and rides for children, to business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Silverstar Casino’s outside premises was turned into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights.

A village market where people could display their goods on sale made it an unusual but pleasant experience for South Africans to experience Christmas this time of the year. The village market will feature all things German and Christmas ranging from a live traditional German band also referred to as an oompah band and impromptu performances by street buskers. For the little ones there were face painting and balloon sculpting. During the cold weather guests had hot drinks such as hot chocolate and glühwein at their disposal.

A few local bands such as Beeskraal, Alter Irving and the Dixie Hillbillies also performed during the five-day festival. Another differentiator at the festival is the involvement of a local outfit called Young Ideas, based in Magaliesberg. This is a group of teenagers who are of school-leaving age and want to study further or travel but don’t have the resources to do so.

The youngsters thought about how they could still achieve their dreams and with the help of Sterretjie Bisschoff started collaborating with individuals at old-age homes who taught them how to make jams, chutneys and other condiments which they could then sell. Profits from the sale of the items produced are split between the students and the elderly.