National Arts Festival

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Throw yourself into the arty mêlée and release energies you didn't know you had.

All the stars come out to play in Grahamstown soon after the Winter Solstice when the Tsimela (Xhosa for Pleiades) rise, heralding the start of the New Year in Africa. As June ends, the little Eastern Cape city is transformed into one huge happening.

National phenomenon
The pace quickens, the drums beat. Suddenly everything clicks and the National Arts Festival is underway. Drama, paintings, poetry, puppets, sculpture, crafts, cabaret, classics, new music, jazz, opera, comics, rock, dance, mime, talks, walks and fairs.... It's exotic, it's erotic, it's a national phenomenon of the Arts. One of the largest events of its kind in Africa.

New talents square and established stars
Away from the powergroupings of our major centres, Grahamstown provides a level playing field where classics roustabout with the avant-garde, new talents square up to the established stars. During Festivals, it's the only game in town.

Africa's cultural trove...
Sparks fly and audiences and performers share interchangeable roles. Drawn by the generous bring-and-share ethos, foreign luminati offer their best, work with local artists and take home treasures from Africa's cultural trove. Pumping music, electrifying drama, hot street life, killer craft-shopping … the only thing in short supply is shut-eye.