Margate Mardi Gras celebrates one year
Everyone is invited to enjoy a tribute to Elvis 'You and me' on February 14 at 17:00.
Next month’s Valentine’s market will commemorate the one year anniversary of Margate Mardi Gras along the beachfront.
Charl van Tonder as ‘Elvis’ will perform on Wednesday, February 14, and everyone is invited to enjoy a tribute to Elvis ‘You and me’ at 17:00.
With a variety of food stalls, bring along family and friends for an evening outdoors.
Locals and visitors enjoyed singer Billy Marshall’s live music as they browsed the stalls set up along the beachfront last Friday.
Madelein Stopforth, one of the organisers, said the Mardi Gras was restarted after Covid-19 in an attempt to attract more people back to the beach area, as she had always envisaged a festive function next to the beach.
“The old Mardi Gras in the main street did not offer the full ‘holiday experience’ for me,” she said.
Madelein, who is also part of Tidy Towns Shelly Beach to Margate team, realised their expenses exceeded their income and she decided to donate all the stall fees to Tidy Towns.
She said the vendors that joined the Mardi Gras became her Gypsy family, and she soon realised that with each event, they also benefited hugely.
Madelein said the event also gives exposure to entertainers such as singers, Margate Pipes and Drums, dancers, karateka and fire dancers and promote ‘local is lekker’ by showcasing their talents.
“The Mardi Gras promotes community involvement as it gives visitors and locals an unique experience. The Mardi Gras is a vibe!”
She thanked Saps, Law Enforcement and Margate Community Police Forum who donate their services at every event, as well as, Stephen Herbst and Scott Kvalsvig from Tidy Towns Shelly Beach to Margate who prepare the area and Tidy Town volunteers that clean up through out the event.
If you would like to get involved contact Surina Davidson on 071 6003244.
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