Creative Cape Town
Jimmy Dludlu & Band at Cape Town International Jazz Festival, photo courtesy André-Pierre
Arguably the creative hub of South Africa, Cape Town offers a host of attractions for those who love a bit of artistic flair, from flower shows and jazz festivals to the latest in architecture, crafts, décor and film.
The Mother City has nurtured a baby brimming with artistic nous and to celebrate her achievement, Cape Town hosts a number of annual events to highlight the creative energy that runs through South Africa.
As from 2009, the Loeries, the annual national advertising industry awards, will be hosted in Cape Town, while the Design Indaba Expo (www.designindaba.com; +27 21 465-9966) – South Africa’s showcase of local design, where visitors can feast their eyes on the latest in architecture, crafts, décor, film, fashion, graphic design, interiors, jewellery, new media, publishing, product design and visual media – has been a feature for some time.
Once your eyes have been satiated, give your ears a turn to tune into the creative rhythms of Africa.
The Cape Minstrel Carnival (www.capetownminstrels.co.za; +27 21 761 5239) is a colourful musical New Year carnival, and a must-see for the whole family. The Appletiser Summer Sunset Concerts are performances of classical and contemporary music at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch) every Sunday.
If jazz is your thing, the Cape Town Jazzathon (+27 21 683 2201) is a four-day jazz concert featuring local artists and musicians, as well as food and drink stalls, exhibitions and fundraising events, and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is an international musical event with a pre-festival concert, workshops and performances by top artists.
There are also a host of venues where you can listen to bands and solo acts perform a variety of different forms of music depending on your taste, while the Vodacom Rittelfees is an annual music, arts and crafts festival providing fun for the whole family.
Having soothed your ears, treat your nose and eyes to the Cape Town Flower and Garden Show (www.capetownflower.com; +27 21 442 0390), a world-class display of show gardens, with lectures from renowned garden authors and the opportunity to sample Cape Town cuisine and wine. In addition, there is the SAA Cape Town Flower Show, an annual exhibition of flowers, plants and exotic species held at Lourensford Wine Estate.
The city also hosts Cape Town Fashion Week and various film festivals.
With sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing all treated to a variety of delights, don’t forget your sense of humour – enjoy a laugh at the Vodacom Funny Festival, a stand-up comedy event at the Baxter Theatre.
Did you know?
From 2009, the Loeries, the annual national advertising industry awards, will be hosted in Cape Town
Walking in Cape Town
Many visitors want to explore nature on higher ground as soon as they arrive in Cape Town and with Lion’s Head and Table Mountain beckoning, many do get to experience the local flora and fauna on foot. However, the entire peninsula can be enjoyed by avid walkers. From Blouberg Beach, with its picture perfect views from its sandy shores, to the more adventurous guided Hoerikwaggo Trails along the spine of Table Mountain, visitors have an expanse of ground to cover.
Castle Military Museum
The Castle Military Museum is housed in the oldest building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope, which was declared a national monument in 1936.
The Castle Military Museum is a tribute to the brave regiments of the past, providing an insight into the political history of the country and celebrating the rich military history of the Cape. Then Minister of Defence Joe Modise officially opened the Castle Military Museum on August 1, 1995.
South African Rugby Museum
Cape Town sport enthusiasts are lucky enough to live in the city that is home to the South African Rugby Museum. Located just a drop kick away from the Newlands Rugby Stadium in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, home of the Stormers, the South African Rugby Museum is a full of tokens, collector’s items, memorabilia and history of one of the country’s most watched sports.
Historic buildings and architecture in Cape Town
As the oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town boasts a number of historical buildings, many of which are still in use today and open to visitors. The city’s architecture is a testament to the many varying influences in South Africa’s unique history.
Art galleries in Cape Town
More than 100 art galleries – as diverse as the colours daubed on an artist’s palette – await discovery in and around Cape Town.
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