Words & Photo: Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival
The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival attracts more than 60 000 visitors each year, and many new events are planned for this year’s festival from 4 to 13 July 2014.
Festival Manager Nicci Rousseau-Schmidt said, “With over 100 events each year, we strive to present a diverse programme that offers something for everyone, whether you’re attending the festival as a family, as a foodie, or to participate in one of our many sports competitions.
“This year we will see the re-introduction of past favourites like the Fun Fair – taking place on George Rex Drive – as well as the Marketplace Stalls, which will be incorporated into the Knysna Grainmill Organic Market on the corner of Long Street and Waterfront Drive.
“We’ve also planned a number of improvements to our most popular events – such as the Pick n Pay Flavours of Knysna gourmet evening, and the Big5 Sport Challenge, which for the first time will include a Big 5 Yellow Jersey Ceremony for each event, as well as a final awards ceremony where all finishers will be honoured. This year we’ve added the Big 5 LITE, which opens up the playing field for athletes who want to compete in a multi-disciplinary competition across shorter distances.”
Rousseau-Schmidt said, “Cyclists can look forward to the new Night Cycle event on 8 July at the pristine single track route at the Dormehl Farm on Barrington/Karatara Road, and active teens can take part in three new events – the Junior Golf Tournament on 9 July, the first Teens Triathlon on and around Leisure Island on 11 July, and the Junior Sit-On Canoe Relay from 12-13 July.
“On the more relaxing side of things, art enthusiasts will enjoy Woodmill Lane’s Wood Art Exhibition which will include sculptures, furniture, and more by local artists and crafters.
“This year there’ll be even more reason to laugh with more comedy acts lined up with the new Comedy Festival on 5 July and the Comedy Shuckle on 10 July.”
Festival travel packages – including affordable accommodation options – are available via the online booking system at www.pnptravel.co.za. Registration costs and ticket prices vary for each event, and many events are free. For more information, including the Festival Programme, visit www.pnpoysterfestival.co.za or contact Knysna Tourism at 044 382 5510.
