The Street Music Festival presented by Alliance Francaise is back with a bang after last year’s successful display put the groove back into the city’s music scene.
This will see the metro treated to the “best 12 hours of the year” on September 2, as thousands take to the streets of Richmond Hill for an epic street bash.
Organisers Magnetic Storm, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, lifted the lid on this year’s explosive event on Tuesday at a media launch at Alliance Francaise in Mackay Street.
Bay sports, recreation, arts and culture (SRAC) boss Bassie Kamana said the festival had the makings of being “unique and particular” in its second successive re-run after a hiatus.
“It helps us to understand we all come from one race — the human race,” Kamana said, full of optimism.
“The event happens during Heritage Month; when we celebrate our different cultures.
“At schools, it’s time a subject on cultural intelligence is taught to allow us to understand each other and tolerate different cultures.”
More than 8,000 enthusiastic revellers, foodies, creatives and local and national artists brought the precinct alive as a thunderous buzz swept through the area in 2022.
In the latest instalment, only local musicians and bands will grace an improved main stage to spotlight the best in Bay talent.
Craft stands, busker mini-stages, school choirs and creative art features will be showcased.
Categorised as B-level due to minimal risk despite increased security, zero incidents are expected at the family-friendly event.
Alliance Francaise director Guillaume Favier Nirere said the exceptional nature of the Street Music Festival set it apart from others in SA.
Based on the Fête de la Musique, a worldwide event created in France to promote local music and the creative arts, Favier Nirere said it transcended time and appealed to residents of the metro uniquely each year.
“The past year marked a remarkable time in our journey,” he said.
“All together, we showed love for music and culture has the power to unite our hearts.
“The festival serves as a bridge between two friendly nations, France and SA.
“It has become a catalyst for connections and a mirror reflecting our differences that only draw us closer.”
Favier Nirere said festivalgoers could expect a fully immersive French flair at the “French Village”, where they stand to discover typically French delights and experiences.
“We’ve prepared an enthralling programme to satisfy all seeking a discovery.”
Discover Mandela Bay’s Shaun van Eck said the passion underpinning the festival was its hallmark since its inception more than a decade ago.
He described it as arguably the most successful street festival in the country.
“It grew every year and became more popular.
“Once the SRAC came on board, it started to grow in leaps and bounds.
“It has what it takes to become national and international and bring lots more visitors to the Bay,” Van Eck said.
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