Update: ‘Limited Edition’ Knys

The adjusted Knysna Oyster Festival begins on 9 July. Image: Adobe Stock

Update: ‘Limited Edition’ Knysna Oyster Festival kicks off this week

Knysna’s Oyster Festival which was cancelled last year due to lockdown restrictions is set to begin this week, with some adjustments to the programme.

Update: ‘Limited Edition’ Knys

The adjusted Knysna Oyster Festival begins on 9 July. Image: Adobe Stock

This year’s edition of the Knysna Oyster Festival from Friday 9 to Sunday 18 July will take the shape of a “Limited Edition” with a re-imagined festival programme.

COMPLIANT WITH LOCKDOWN LEVEL 4 REGULATIONS

The recently updated lockdown restrictions aim to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across the country while South Africa is in the midst of its third wave of infections. 

Despite the revised lockdown regulations and the travel ban on movement from Gauteng having been imposed on Sunday 27 June, Knysna’s annual Oyster Festival is safely going ahead.

“In support of the president’s announcement on Sunday (27 June), we’ve re-imagined the experiences whilst allowing for the flexibility to add further activations in the future, should the regulations lift in the next few weeks,” said Visit Knysna general manager Colleen Durant.

KNYSNA FESTIVAL PUTS SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE

Festival organisers have adjusted the format of the festival’s events to ensure the safety of both organisers and festivalgoers.  Measures have been put in place to mitigate the risk of the festival becoming a super spreader event.      

“The safety of our visitors and locals involved in the programme is of utmost importance to us,” said Colleen Durant, Visit Knysna general Manager.

“2021 has not been without its challenges, but I’m confident that our community will deliver a truly special, limited edition programme for all this year. Those visiting can rest assured that we have a wide range of compliant, memorable experiences, physical and virtual, for the whole family to enjoy. Our local businesses are committed to adhering to current regulations in order to host you safely,”   Knysna Executive Mayor Elrick van Aswegen said.

ADJUSTMENTS TO KNYSNA FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

The Knysna Oyster Festival has always included an exciting line-up for the duration of the event.  Although the festival will not offer the traditional line-up of activities it is known for, this year due to current lockdown restrictions, attendees can still enjoy a range of adapted activities with safety measures in place.       

From an outdoor Rastafari Community Tour to mashie golf, canoeing and vintage boat cruises – there is something for the whole family to enjoy in the wide-open spaces of Knysna and the greater Knysna area.

For sporting enthusiasts, the popular Knysna Forest Run and Cycle Tour can still be enjoyed at runners’ and cyclists’ leisure and tracked virtually.

To reward your physical efforts, treat yourself and the family to local gourmet dishes, by ordering take-out from a list of our restaurants that will be open during the limited-edition festival.

CALL TO SUPPORT LOCAL TOURISM

With South Africa’s tourism sector having taken a serious knock for more than a year, due to the onset of the global pandemic there is a dire need for South Africans to support the local tourism sector. 

“Now more than ever, Knysna welcomes you to stay, work and play in a region that has so much to offer this winter break. Your support benefits our community greatly and will go a long way in helping us keep this much-loved festival going for years to come,” Knysna’s Mayor, Elrick van Aswegen said.

More information on this year’s festival is available here.