Knysna will host its annual Oyster Festival in July. Image: File
Confirmed for July: Knysna Oyster Festival all set for next month
After being cancelled last year due to the national lockdown, the Knysna Oyster Festival is all set to make a comeback in July.
Knysna will host its annual Oyster Festival in July. Image: File
While trips to foreign countries or exotic locations are inadvisable or even too onerous to attempt at this moment due to quarantine regulations, COVID-19 testing requirements or travel bans, travelling within South Africa is not off-limits.
South Africa proudly hosts some exciting annual events, such as the Cape Town Jazz Festival, the National Festival of the Arts and the Knysna Oyster Festival among others. However, live or actual editions of many of these events have not taken place over the past year due to the global pandemic.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PANDEMIC ON FESTIVALS
The inability to host such events has severely impacted revenues for artists, local businesses, as well as the tourism and hospitality sectors in the host cities. Well over a year later many events are still being cancelled and businesses are suffering as a result.
The popular Garden Route town of Knysna is going ahead with its annual Knysna Oyster Festival next month. The event will take place from July 9 to18. The festival boasts a diverse range of activities to suit the likes and wants of all South Africans.
NEW THEME FOR KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL
Knysna Tourism is currently preparing for the return of its Knysna Oyster Festival, themed “Stay, Work, Play” in Knysna.
A range of activities will be available to festivalgoers. Though these may not take the shape and form as they have in previous years.
Taking COVID-19 protocols and restrictions into account, organisers said many of the Knysna Oyster Festival’s mainstays would still take place this year, although in a different format.
RANGE OF EVENTS AT KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL
Virtual Knysna Forest Marathon
The Knysna Forest Marathon, which has become somewhat of a hallmark for the festival, will still take place although it will take the form of a virtual event.
Knysna Cycle Tour
The Knysna Cycle Tour will also go ahead but the event would have to comply with COVID-19 protocols, meaning that there would be a staggered start. In addition, a category for e-bikes has also been added to the cycle race.
Winter Christmas Market, regatta, trail run
The festival programme will include many other highlights. Festivalgoers can look forward to a Winter Christmas market that will be hosted in Sedgefield. There will also be a sailing regatta and the Houtkapper Trail Run.
CALL TO SUPPORT LOCAL TOURISM
Local is definitely very lekker! With so many activities and events on offer this year, the Knysna Oyster Festival is certainly one not to be missed. There are so many reasons to get down to Knysna next month and enjoy the festival while supporting local businesses that have suffered due to lockdown measures.
The full festival line-up, with details of entries and ticket sales, is available here.
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