HUNDREDS of matrics from across the country are expected to start arriving in Plettenberg Bay this weekend for the annual Matric Rage post-exams party.

This year’s Rage, which runs from today to December 11, is longer than ever before and will see a host of DJs, bands and fun activities laid out for the youngsters to celebrate the end of their school careers.

The Plett Rage is South Africa’s longest running music festival for pupils. It started out as a few small parties that grew into a full-blown festival with a selection of bands, DJs and beach activities.

The event is hosted by the VIP night club in conjunction with Bitou Tourism.

According to Tim Rawbone of RK Events, a Cape Town company which is organising the event, matrics can look forward to a number of 5FM DJs, including Gareth Cliff, Roger Good, Koula and DJ Euphonic.

“We have the upcoming band Zebra and Giraffe, and AKing. We also have beach activities sponsored by Adidas, with an inflatable beach football field and different activities to celebrate the Adidas original clothing line,” Rawbone said.

Other activities on offer will include volleyball and beach soccer.

“Security is one of our biggest aspects, taking into account that this freedom is new for the matrics and we’re trying to promote an experience that is a celebration of finishing their school career.”

He said this was why Adidas, with its healthy-living brand, had been chosen as the main sponsor.

“It is not about the drinking, but about having fun with friends and seeing them for the last time before they go on a gap year, or go to university. We have the youngsters’ safety in mind and for this reason security is our biggest expenditure. We have undercover security at the nightclub to make sure there are no problems.”

Bitiou Tourism chief executive Dianna Martin said accommodation inquiries were still “coming in fast and furious”.

“We are very happy with the growing market because it is our investment in our future market,” she said. “We are looking forward to welcoming back the youth of today in a couple of years when they will bring along their families and friends. The Ragers will be our future market.”

The long party is just one of the ways matrics will celebrate their newly-gained freedom.

Some said they would go to the beach, while others will go to initiation school.

Lee-Anne Snodgrass, 18, of Collegiate Girls High School in Port Elizabeth, said attending the Rage was one of the advantages of being in Grade 12.

“It’s a matric privilege. I am looking forward to a week away with my friends, and a good time,” she said.

Jade Connacher 18, of Woodridge College, said she was attending the event with her friends. “I am going, and so are most of my friends. I’ve been looking forward to the event for a long time.”

Jamaine September, of Linkside High in Port Elizabeth, said he was going to the beach with his friends to celebrate.

Mlamli “Toto” Mahlelehlele 18, of Newell High School, said he would celebrate the end of the matric exam by going to initiation school when he finishes writing on Monday.

Ayandiswa Nkomo, 17, of Walmer High School in Port Elizabeth, said she would go out with friends to have fun.

“We will sign shirts at school and we are planning to have a braai because it will be last the last time we will be together as a group,” she said.