Mitchells Plain Starts New Festive Tradition

According to the Chairperson of the Mitchells Plain Subcouncil, Cllr Grant Pascoe, this is the first time that various festive activities are joined into one event with Cape Town Executive Mayor, Alderman Helen Zille, to officially switch on the Mitchells Plain festive lights in AZ Berman Drive.

Previous years there were Carols by Candlelight and some private stalls in the Lentegeur area and only 50 metres of AZ Berman Drive had some coloured lights with a mini illuminated Christmas tree. This year the Subcouncil has approved a dedicated expenditure from the various ward allocations to install Festive Lights.

"The Mitchells Plain event is the beginning of something which can grow into a major event serving the local community," says Subcouncil Manager, David Cedras. "It cannot be compared with the Adderley Street lights which have a 40 year history behind them. But this is the first time that Mitchells Plain residents join forces to create one big festival."

The Mitchells Plain festivities on 17 December kick off at 18:00 (6pm) with a Carols by Candle Light at the Westridge Park. From 19:00 (7pm) a cultural band will lead the people to the AZ Berman Drive area where the official ceremony will take place.

Cllr Pascoe said: "AZ Berman Drive between Morgenster Drive to Charlie Street will become an entertainment area. We are planning to create a festive atmosphere with minstrels and other local talent performing until the Mayor arrives to switch on the lights".

"This will be followed by more entertainment and a community parade," he says.

Mitchells Plain will also have its own night market from Boxing Day until 29 December. "We have specifically arranged it after Christmas to avoid clashes with the normal trading at the areas shopping facilities".

"Over 200 stalls will offer food, hand crafts and other items. We have received over 300 applications, but could not accommodate all of them. This will create some economic opportunities for the local community. Some 90% of the people who applied do not have any stall anywhere in the city," says Cllr Pascoe.

Issued by:
Lisle Brown
Media Liaison Officer - City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 3065
Directorate: Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media queries:
Cllr Grant Pascoe
Chairperson of the Mitchells Plain Subcouncil
Tel: 021 371 4550

David Cedras
Subcouncil Manager - Mitchells Plain
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 371 4550