Margate geared for bike ‘fest of fests’
This new initiative is meant to broaden the appeal for the widespread biking fraternity.
HOGS might be heading to East London next year, but Margate is still very much a destination of choice for many of the country’s bikers.
Vicky Wentzel, of Wozani Africa Events, announced at a public meeting at the Margate Hotel last week that Africa Bike Week has now been replaced with South Coast Bike Fest, which takes place from April 27 to 30 next year.
The festival has the backing of the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Ugu South Coast Tourism and various stakeholders.
Ms Wentzel added that visitors and locals could expect ‘the best in the biking elite to rock Margate in four days of extreme action sports and the hottest music acts in the country’.
“The feast of bikes, hot music acts, extreme sports and biking acrobatics will cement Margate’s reputation as the country’s leading biking destination,” she said.
“For the four festival days, Margate will be all about motorcycles as thousands of bikers and biking enthusiasts from all over South Africa roar into town. While Margate is the hub of the bike action, the bikers will spread their wings and there will be beautiful mean machines to admire everywhere, even on the smallest of the South Coast’s back roads.”
Ugu South Coast Tourism CEO Justin Mackrory pointed out that all great events had a permanent home and the intention was to entrench Margate and the South Coast as a ‘biker magnet’.
“We cannot ignore the importance of the economic benefit to our tourism economy through an event of this magnitude. Hence, the announcement of this new event that is aimed at accommodating various makes of motorbikes and an extended market of bike enthusiasts,” explained Mr Mackrory.
“We see this as a great opportunity for the greater Margate and South Coast as a whole. This is a multi-million rand exercise and we would encourage everybody who is involved, directly or indirectly to show solidarity to make this event a success.”
Visitors can expect incredible, highly-skilled performances as some of the country’s best skateboarding, BMX FMX and trial bike riders display choreographed manoeuvres sure to keep the crowds captivated throughout.
An added attraction is the Gravity Clash Action Sport’s Show, a first for Margate, where the country’s most daring bikers, including Nick de Wit and Brian Capper will put on a jaw-dropping two-wheeled display involving motocross bikes flying over BMX riders and skateboarders.
Fans will also get the opportunity to ‘meet and greet’ these top sportsmen following their twice-daily acrobatic performance at the Experiential Energy Zone. The Dezzi Festival of Speed, taking place at Dezzi South Coast Raceway, will also give audiences the chance to witness some high-speed biking action by top level riders.
Event organisers have ensured that music lovers get a chance to #fuelyourfun at the Carling Main Beach Stage. Here, visitors will be entertained by South Coast Bike Fest’s line-up of top South African musical acts who will be taking to the Carling Main Beach Stage every day.
Getting the festive vibe started on Thursday, 27 April will be some of the best bands to emerge from Cape Town. These include electronic band, Die Heuwels Fantasties as well as alternative rock group, Fokofpolisiekar, and the unmistakable rapper, Jack Parow.
Other big names that will be featuring on the Carling Main Beach Stage throughout the event include Just Jinjer, PJ Powers, Matthew Mole, Freshlyground, Prime Circle, Rubber Duc, The Kickstands, Koos Kombuis, Tender Mavundla, Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters, Brian Finch, Piet Botha Band and The Gus Brown Band.
At the Daily Village, visitors will have access to a variety of beachfront bars, clubs and restaurants and a range of the country’s leading gourmet food trucks will be on site.
Expect to find your favourite motorcycle brand dealerships as well as stands selling all things related to the trade.
There will also be quality crafts on sale at the Mardi Gras Festival Market and bike enthusiasts can take some time out to view vintage machines at the Classic Bike Show Club Deck. Ongoing musical entertainment, orchestrated by the likes of Hinds Brothers, Circle of Stones, Wiam Otto, Phil Moffett, Black Water Brothers and David Marks at the free Beach Pier Village Rock Stage will keep the festive vibe going.
The weekend will end on a high note with the traditional Shelly Centre Mass Parade which gives all bikers one last opportunity to hit the road together before heading home. The 34km mass parade will take place on Sunday, April 30 with the route taking bikers from Shelly Centre along Marine Drive towards Port Shepstone CBD before heading back towards Margate and ending at the pier.
Ms Wentzel reminded everyone that all bikes are welcome at the South Coast Bike Fest and entrance to the four-day event is free provided pre-registration is completed online.
“This pre-registration allows #freefunseeker ticket holders access to the event boulevard including secure parking, access to the Village Pier Rock Stage, Experiential Energy Zone, Mardi Gras Market, Flying Fish Hospitality Deck, Castle Light Pool Party and much more,” she said.
To pre-register for the #freefunseeker tickets, visit www.quicket.co.za.
Tickets to the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach Stage went live from November 7 at a cost of R130 per day or R200 for the cocktail bar day pass. For a VIP four-day pass the cost is R360. Children under 12 enter free.
For more information, visit the website at www.southcoastbikefest.co.za or email info@southcoastbikefest.co.za.
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