For the first time since its inception in 2010, the annual Alliance Française Street Music Festival will not be held this year.
The decision, mainly resulting from Alliance Française director Charlotte Jarnet being on maternity leave, was announced by the cultural association at the launch of the 2019 street music festival programme held at the Granary in Richmond Hill last week.
The lengthy period between now and next year’s festival will allow the organising team to bring to life their vision to produce an enhanced programme centred around celebrating diversity in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Speaking at the launch, Alliance Française Port Elizabeth president Lizé-Marie Marais said the event would not only focus on the French community, but was already collaborating with several initiatives around the Bay to unite the metro, and showcase its diversity and tourist attractions.
“We believe that our festival can extend its vision to a festival that encompasses all, and subtly prods our consciousness and connectedness while entertaining all of the communities of the metro,” she said.
The launch gave a taste of what the vision for next year’s festival is, with some of the collaborators presenting their work.
Collaborators present at the launch included chef Khaya Kepe, who offered a mouthwatering menu representing a fusion between Eastern Cape and French flavours, and photographer Simphiwe Nama, who showcased a fusion between Eastern Cape and French flavours. There were performances by bands Sane no Echad, Jazz Fever and The Brothers, as well as magician Moaz the Clown. Lloyd Edwards, of Raggy Charters, also displayed photographs that showcase the diversity of the Bay.
Other collaborators will include clothing designers, crafters, buskers and artists who will be showcased during the period leading up to the festival and climax at the event.
“The creation of a diversity walk will give us the opportunity to create a unique and sealable angle for many tourism and community activities,” Shaun van Eck, who is organising the event with Magnetic Storm, said.
While the exact dates for the festival have not been confirmed, it is expected to be around the end of June next year.