Visit Knysna, Knysna Tourism, Garden Route, South Africa

Author: Keagon Borchards

Take a working holiday in Knysna and #wfk

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

Do you want to get away with the family during the school holidays or just need a break, but have deadlines and meetings that can’t wait? Come #WFK (work from Knysna) during the Knysna Oyster Festival, 9 to 18 July.
“There are many online hubs, coffee shops and restaurants and accommodation establishments with excellent Internet connections in Knysna,” said Festival Coordinator Andrew Finn. “So you can easily honour your work commitments in between enjoying the fun of the festival and everything else the greater Knysna area has on offer.”
Great care has been taken to ensure that all COVID-19 prevention protocols are adhered to. “Businesses are still operating, restaurants are open and exciting activities are on offer even on Alert Level 2 of the national lockdown, and they will be should the country move up to Alert Level 3,” said Knysna Executive Mayor Elrick van Aswegen. “While I urge all residents and visitors to wear their masks, continue social distancing and sanitizing, Knysna is open, and there is so much to do.”

At the heart of the Garden Route National Park, the area is full of trails to explore and natural marvels to experience. These out- of-doors adventures are the perfect decompressor after a long video meeting. Hiking trials wind through the forest, coastal fynbos and plantations, climb down gorges and follow valley edges. You’ll cross natural streams, visit rock pools and waterfalls and marvel at the massive indigenous trees that spurred Knysna’s historic timber industry. Well-maintained picnic sites are equipped with braai- and ablution facilities, with seating and fresh water available at various sites.

If you prefer exploring the forest on your bike, take on any of the five circular Harkerville mountain bike routes, or the linear Petrus- se-brand trail that starts at the Diepwalle Forrest office and ends at the Garden of Eden. It offers fantastic forest scenery, exhilarating downhills and ample streams from which to refill your water bottle.
Find your sea legs and take the family on any of the discounted boat-based adventures during the run of the festival. Enjoy sunset cruises, private charters and close encounters with whales and other aquatic species. Or board a real-life pirate ship, experience adrenaline trips on the lagoon or even stay on a houseboat.

Families will also enjoy touring some iconic local factories or visiting the Rastafarian community at Judah Square. Join a guided walking tour of Knysna’s most iconic heritage buildings and sites or find where X marks the spot with the Knysna Treasure Trail – a self-drive discovery of some of the town’s most prized gems.

Cultural afficionados may look forward to art exhibitions in Sedgefield and Knysna, from local arts associations to an Old Masters collection by the Southern Cape Association of Visual Artists (SCAVA). For a more immersive, interactive experience, join the local art world by touring the public interactive art pieces to take a couple of selfies, working studios and galleries, or even taking a lesson.

Visit Knysna General Manager Colleen Durant said that many daily refreshment offerings would be available throughout the 10 days. “Of course you’ll need some great food and drink to keep up your energy, or just for a fun time out. Our website is bursting with specials on offer at local coffee shops, restaurants and bars. You’ll also find incredible, exclusive accommodation offers at knysnaoysterfestival.com, so click on through and book your working vacation in Knysna. We already #WFK – why don’t you too?”

Full listings are available at www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za.
Browse Knysna’s accommodation options at www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za/stay/.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @KnysnaOysterFestival and keep an eye on www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za for updates.
Visit www.sanparks.org or their office on Thesen Island for more information on obtaining the relevant forest entry permits.
For information on the greater Knysna area view details on visitknysna.co.za or pop in at the Visit Knysna information office on Knysna’s Main Road.

Contact Festival Coordinator Andrew Finn on email info@knysnaoysterfestival.co.za for more information, or call 0443825510.

#WFK #WorkFromKnysna #stayworkplay #knysnaoysterfestival #KOF2021 #visitknysna #knysna

Southern hemisphere humpback migration route

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

Knysna Celebrates the Arrival of the Whales
According to the late legendary whale and dolphin researcher, Professor Peter Best, the “Northern migration of Humpback whales seems to reach the African coastline in the vicinity of Knysna”. It is obvious that this is the perfect place to start celebrating the arrival of these magnificent creatures.

TFestival locations & dateshe first event kicks off in Knysna on Saturday, the 5th June 2021 and the ensuing 24 events carry on all the way to Swakopmund on the West coast and Kenya on the East coast. The longest migration of any mammal echoes the longest whale heritage route celebrated on the planet. The route is a joint venture between the World Cetacean Alliance and Raggy Charters and other whale enthusiasts and groups along the African coastline.

These whales were brought back from the brink of extinction in the 1960s, when modern day whaling almost wiped out the entire population, along with all the other great whales. A paradigm shift stopped the slaughter and the humpback whales have led the recovery. They are the first of the great whales to reach their pre-exploitation numbers. We need to defend these gains and extend them to the other 80 plus species of cetaceans.

Their message to our planet is short and sweet, leave us alone and nature will take its course. They are an inspiration to help us sort out so many of our other pressing problems, like climate change and the polluting and raping of our oceans. Let us join these creatures and do our bit to make our oceans become a better place for everyone.
As these animals move up the coastline, we celebrate their arrival in the towns and cities along the way. Some of the venues will have full blown festivals, while others will simply host a presentation. Every year more venues are added to the route and the activities are expanded. The events are open to the public and the youth are especially encouraged to come along and learn about these animals. Education is the key to their survival.

The humpbacks face many dangers along their migration routes. The biggest natural threat to them is from marauding killer whales. Newly born calves and sub adults are the most at risk . . . but this has been going on alongside their evolution and relatively few animals succumb. Ship strikes, marine pollution, noise pollution and lack of food caused by climate change are the man-made problems. The chief problem encountered by these whales the world over, is entanglement in fishing gear and especially ropes. It causes these animals to die a slow and agonising death. It is for this reason that we have drawn up a petition to the Minister, to ensure that the fishing industry puts more mitigation measures in place, to prevent these entanglements from occurring. Marine scientists have developed technology that just needs to be implemented. If we all work together, we can make this happen. Please distribute this petition as widely as possible.

Knysna’s awareness and family outing which is open to the public takes place from 10h00 – 12h00 on Saturday, 5 June at Brenton-on-Sea. Children’s activities will be on the beach with the SANParks and their Honorary Rangers, whilst educational table displays, and posters will be on the grassed area in front of Brenton Haven.

Presentations will begin at 10h45 to 11h45, with SANParks marine biologist, Kyle Smith speaking about the biodiversity and importance of the Knysna Estuary; this will be followed by Lloyd Edwards of Raggy Charters, initiator of this ‘festival’, presenting on the southern hemisphere’s humpback whale migration route. Here, one lucky attendee can win a whale watching experience with local accredited operator, Ocean Odyssey.

The local awareness programme will end with an evening function hosted by Brenton Haven, where a limited number of interested and like-minded locals and visitors will mingle over a glass of wine and canapés to discuss the benefits of environmental awareness and tourism to and for the greater Knysna area.

For more information on humpback whales and the migration route please see the Raggy Charters website at https://www.raggycharters.co.za/page/southern-hemisphere-humpback-whale-migration-route-shhwmr

#WFK Knysna? We say why not!?

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

South Africa’s premium sport and lifestyle festival is back! Breaking ground with an eclectic mix of physical and virtual events and activities, the Knysna Oyster Festival is scheduled to take place from 9 to 18 July 2021 under the theme ‘STAY, WORK, PLAY’.

From sport to food, to art, adventure and music – the jam-packed programme will run over the full ten days of the festival spanning the greater Knysna area.
Giving a fresh feel to the inaugural hybrid format of the event, Visit Knysna along with the Knysna Oyster Festival organisers are launching a quirky ‘tongue-in-cheek’ awareness campaign called Wanna #WFK? (Work from Knysna). The campaign seeks to ensure the popular South African festival remains a fixed date on the calendar, whilst encouraging festino’s to enjoy the full ten days by maximising the remote work possibilities and enjoying a not to be missed programme in-between.

“This year there is a real opportunity to tap into a current truth: if you’re working from home, you could be working from anywhere. The Knysna Oyster Festival is the perfect place to not only work, but immerse yourself and your family in a number of experiences that you can enjoy before, during or after your work day,” commented Colleen Durant, Visit Knysna General Manager.

The Executive Mayor of Knysna, Cllr Elrick van Aswegen added: “The Knysna Oyster Festival, a flagship event for the Western Cape and more specifically the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, remains an important drawcard for visitors to the greater Knysna area. Our community has worked together to co-ordinate a full programme of offerings that suit a variety of interests and age groups, making the festival the perfect family getaway over the school holidays.”

With safety being at the centre of all activities, all COVID-19 protocols will be observed with the popular cycle and running races taking place virtually.

“The #WFK campaign, run out of Wesgro, is a chance for us to entice those who want more out of a breakaway. With the flexibility that remote work brings, we encourage old friends and visitors to enjoy the full ten day programme curated by the Knysna Oyster Festival organisers. With an array of food, art and adrenaline experiences – this unmissable family festival is a must on the 2021 travel list,” concluded Wesgro CMO, Monika Iuel.

Ends

www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za has all the details on accommodation and activity specials, as well as the growing calendar and entry/ticket information. Check it regularly for updates.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @KnysnaOysterFestival.
Contact Festival Coordinator Andrew Finn on email info@knysnaoysterfestival.co.za for more information, or call 0443825510.

#knysnaoysterfestival #knysnaoysterfestival2021 #KOF2021 #kof #stayworkplay #knysna #visitknysna #wfk #workfromknysna

Get ready to be active at the 2021 Knysna Oyster Festival

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

Be sure to gobble an oyster or two, because with all the sporting activities happening in and around Knysna from 9 to 18 July, you will need all those fantastic nutrients to keep up your stamina during the 2021 Knysna Oyster Festival.

“Knysna and the surrounding area is a sports paradise throughout the year,” said Festival Coordinator Andrew Finn. “Our unique, natural tracks and waterways are all available to visitors during this year’s Knysna Oyster Festival, with many extra-high octane activities to challenge guests and locals in between sampling the magnitude of leisure offerings to enjoy.”

Visit Knysna General Manager Colleen Durant confirmed the variety of sporting activities on offer during the festival. “The festival has always been known for not only its amazing food and wine, but the popular running and cycling races of both weekends,” she explained. “This year sees the addition of a number of different sporting disciplines, offering challenges to competitive athletes and, more importantly, fun outings for families and friends. More activities are listed as they are confirmed, so please keep an eye on the website for updates.”

The Knysna Forest Virtual run takes place on the 10th and 11th July. The virtual aspect of the race invites runners to complete their routes in Knysna itself. An option of the forest routes start and finish at The Farm on Old Cape Road, and the Knysna flat route loops through the town itself, with its beginning and end at Knysna Deli on Main Road. Clean your clubs and tee up for Simola Night Golf, also on the 10th. Players will walk Simola’s front nine holes and play with flashing balls and lit greens and enjoy a wine, craft gin and craft beer tasting.

The Houtkapper Trail Run takes place in Knysna’s Goudveld forest on the 11th. Offering three routes of varying lengths and difficulty, runners will pass through Krisjan-se-nek (where Daleen Mathee’s ashes were scattered), the Daleen Mathee memorial and the site of the 880 year old Yellowwood tree known as the Daleen Mathee Big Tree.

Get your toes in the sand on the 12th and take part in the B2B Beach Run. Walk or run on one of South Africa’s most stunning beaches while having fun and contributing to the local NSRI station. Choose between 5km or 10km and start from either Brenton-on-Sea or Buffalo Bay. Register on the day at either beach between 7h30 and 8h00. Athletics SWD are hosting three running events at the Loerie Park sport field the next day, on the 13th. Join in the cross country relay, street mile or 5km fun run.

The Urban X Trail Run and Obstacle Course is a fun trail run taking place at Blackwaters River Lodge on the 13th and 14th July. Starting at 09h00 with 10 easy obstacles, none of which require excessive upper body strength, this is a fun activity for anyone to enjoy. The Knysna X Trail Series takes place at the Pezula Championship Golf Course on the 15th and 16th, with trail running adventures for everyone in any of the Kidz, Lite, Full or Pro categories.

On the 16th, the Sea-2-Tower trail runners start off at sea level, wind up through the Knysna Forest and climb a 6m steel ladder into the forest fire tower where forest rangers and spectacular views over the surrounding forest, mountains and valleys will greet finishers. A choice of three distances will take runners from Thesen Island to the Buffelsnek fire tower.

The Knysna Cycle Tour will once again challenge mountain bike riders on 17 July, and road racers on 18 July. Both races are provisionally set to kick off with staggered starts, with both the 50km road and 50km MTB races also available as virtual courses on the online platform Rouvy. Entries to the physical rides close at the end of June, and registration will take place on the 16 July. Riders who enter on Rouvy will have a free month’s worth of riding on the online platform. Riders are also invited to join the tour’s Strava group.

The Knysna Yacht Club Sailing Regatta for small sailing boat classes takes place on the 17th from 14h00 to 17h00, while the Sedgefield Tennis Club hosts a fun round robin on the same day from 11h00. Paddlers can also take to the water on the 18th for the Harbour to Heads canoe race from the Knysna Yacht Club to The Heads and back.

Knysna Executive Mayor Elrick van Aswegen emphasised that the entire greater Knysna area would be the festival venue this year. “This is a festival of our town and our area,” he said. “With these fantastic sporting activities taking place throughout the region, it is the perfect opportunity to experience our natural area and the beauty of our forests, lagoons and beaches. We are open and ready for the Knysna Oyster Festival. Are you?”

Guests will be delighted to find that accommodation in the area has also been discounted during this period, Finn concluded. “We know that everyone is craving a bit of a getaway so, take advantage of great accommodation specials and take a break in Knysna. Click the Stay-button to find all of these specials at www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za.”

Contacts:
Knysna Virtual Forest Marathon – Wayne Kidd, kmc@telkomsa.net, https://knysnamarathonclub.com/forest-marathon/.
Simola Night Golf Festival – Scott Edkins, 0836477997, scott@ascottours.co.za.
Houtkapper Trail Run – Gavin/Leon, 0835027935, houtkappertrailrun@gmail.com.
B2B Beach Run – Sean Sandiford, 0736132985, sean@wannado.co.za.
Athletics SWD running events – 0836178325, manager@aswd.co.za.
Urban X Trail Run and Obstacle Course – Coyote Events, 0744562253, bel.hodgson113@gmail.com.
Knysna X Trail Series – https://knysnaxse.co.za/2020/03/09/winter-run/.
Sea 2 Tower Trail Run – Sean Sandiford, 0736132985, sean@wannado.co.za.
The Knysna Cycle Tour – 0443827500, info@knysnacycle.co.za, http://knysnacycle.co.za/.
The Knysna Yacht Club Sailing Regatta – 0443825724, secretary@knysnayachtclub.com.
Tennis Round Robin – Bruce Schulze, 0443431719, calrossie@axemail.co.za.
Harbour to Heads Canoe Race – 0443825724, secretary@knysnayachtclub.com.

www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za has all the details on accommodation and activity specials, as well as the growing calendar and entry/ticket information. Check it regularly for updates.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @KnysnaOysterFestival.
Contact Festival Coordinator Andrew Finn on email info@knysnaoysterfestival.co.za for more information, or call 0443825510.

#knysnaoysterfestival #knysnaoysterfestival2021 #KOF2021 #kof #stayworkplay #knysna #visitknysna #wfk #workfromknysna

Recreating a culture of art in Knysna

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

Historically Knysna had a reputation as the place to find and indulge in art. Now the Knysna Art Project is set to reclaim the town’s position as a “must go” destination on the art map.

The Knysna Art Project has been a year in the planning but will soon be rolled out with the installation of a show-stopping 2.2m sculpture of a Rastafarian priest at the iconic Judah Square in Concordia, home to South Africa’s biggest Rastafarian community. Local ceramicist Eugene Lewis is working on the final touches under the mentorship of well-known sculptor and artist Suzanne du Toit.

So far six iconic Knysna sites have been earmarked as spots for unique art installations: the impressive sculpture at Judah Square, a giant nautilus made from stainless steel and indigenous wood at Thesen Harbour Town on Thesen Island, in front of SANParks offices; stainless steel impressions of Knysna fynbos and butterflies at Belvidere and Brenton on Sea; a series of surfboards painted by local artists will create a “boardwalk” at Buffalo Bay, and in Sedgefield a mosaic VW beetle by NPO Masithandane will be the latest addition to the town’s Mosaic Route. In time, Knysna’s CBD will also be cheered with existing “Knysna in Bloom” pots along the Main Road being turned into creative canvases; the initial installations of the latter being outside the Visit Knysna information office.

The goal of the Knysna Art Project is to encourage locals, domestic and foreign tourists to explore more of the greater Knysna area, discover all it has to offer, Instagram it and share with the rest of the world.
The project is a collaboration between the Knysna Art Society, Visit Knysna (Destination Marketing Organisation), Knysna Municipality (local economic development) and The Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Wesgro).

The Knysna Art Society (KAS) is overseeing the project, their aim being to revive the culture of art in the town – at a time that could not be more opportune. KAS is involved in the actual art installations and is playing an instrumental role in encouraging local artists to contribute. The KAS is also playing a pivotal role in the general art resurgence in Knysna by becoming a magnet for artists, a place to encourage and grow their presence in the town. The number of KAS members has seen a phenomenal increase, driven by artists wanting to participate in the exciting art initiatives underway.

Another significant project that the KAS is busy with is an art route/map which will be finalised in time for the 2021 Knysna Oyster Festival. Once completed, the Art Route will guide visitors on a meander of art, sculpture and working studios in the greater Knysna area.

Art Society chairperson Helena Gerber says this is the perfect time for the art renaissance in Knysna and that there has been a silver lining that has come from Covid-19 with artists finding time to enjoy and explore their creativity. “During Covid-19 and the 2020 lockdown periods artists took to their palettes and homeowners began moving furniture, renovating and doing DIY projects – with many seeking that perfect piece of art to complement their home improvements,” says Helena.

Taking advantage of this, the KAS is now on a mission “to inspire, to create vision and a platform for all artists in the community in a way that is authentic, creative and supportive,” says Helena.

Helena explains that during 2020 when galleries were closed artists were compelled to take to digital platforms with the result being that the KAS website www.knysnaarts.com has become a busy and vibrant platform connecting artists with one another, but also a place where those looking for art can explore and connect with talented artists.

A Facebook group, Artists Unite set up by the Knysna Art Society has also become a place where artists are empowered and encouraged to brainstorm.

“The energy of art in greater Knysna is very special. The area is densely populated with talented artists, attracted by the natural beauty and the lifestyle. Art generated here ends up all over the world,” says Helena.

Visit Knysna and the Knysna Art Society are working hand in hand to expand and grow the art route. “The listings on the Knysna Art Route are growing weekly. There is still a lot of work to be done on getting all of the art experiences available to the public mapped out. Greater Knysna has a treasure chest of uncelebrated gems that are yet to be added as we create the art route,” says Colleen Durant, GM of Visit Knysna.

Knysna executive mayor Ricky van Aswegen says of the Knysna Art Society, “It is a community linking artists, galleries, studios and crafters and an integral and notable contributor to the visitor appeal, but also the economy of the town. Greater Knysna boasts a creative history but over the years the area has become a destination for leisure activities with the focus on art and culture dwindling.”

Check out www.knysnaarts.com and get lost in a virtual tour of the talent that abounds in greater Knysna. This website gives a peek into the world of local artists, details an art-crawl of the various galleries, and is also the place to look for art-related news and relevant events in the area.

At www.knysnaarts.com you will also find several local artists whose work has winged its way to the far corners of South Africa and the globe. Explore the world of Artwell Musungate whose African art rocks, check out iconic Guy Thesen’s work. See Veronica de Voogt’s passion for wildlife which she explores through bronze metal statues. Richard Henley was a boat builder so see what he can do when it comes to making amazing furniture from indigenous wood. Browse the talent of Knysna: Nanna Joubert, Julie Tugwell, Gavin Foster, Jan Raats and others – some household names and some emerging artists.

Explore the Knysna Art Route at www.knysnaarts.com which introduces galleries, studios and other art venues, giving visitors the opportunity to engage with local artists and encouraging them to get out and experience art first-hand. Included on the map are a wide range of arty places from the newly established Art on Queen, Jandreart Studio on Thesen Island to the latest happening at Entabeni Farm which hosts international artists a few times a year. Visit the bohemian Faithfully Yours, Blaze Jewellery Art or find hundred percent unique South African and local design at Iphupho Creative Designs.

The aim is to have the first edition of the Knysna Art Route map ready for this year’s Knysna Oyster Festival in July but it will be updated regularly with new artists and art spaces. The Art Route will also feature the installations currently being created as part of Visit Knysna’s Interactive Art Project.

In the rundown to the Knysna Art Project being rolled out, keep your eye on www.knysnaarts.com to see ways you too can become part of this revival. Whether you are an accomplished artist or an aspiring artist, there is place for everybody living in the greater Knysna area to contribute to the beauty of this town in many different arty and creative ways.

Contact Helena Gerber from the Knysna Art Society on email knysnaartssociety@gmail.com for more information, or call 082 657 4122.

Knysna Interactive Art Project “We came. We saw. We loved.”

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

Knysna is one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa and has historically been positioned as a home of world-class art in the Western Cape.

Now, the Knysna Interactive Art Project will deploy art installations at iconic spots in the greater Knysna area – to create adventure, passion and those perfect Instagram moments.

There are now in 2021 more than one billion Instagram users with two billion expected by 2023. And with 80 million photos being uploaded onto Instagram every single day, visitors to Knysna will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding that picture-perfect setting to share on social media platforms.

The Knysna Interactive Art Project, has been in the pipeline for a year. It’s a combined initiative between Visit Knysna (Destination Marketing), Knysna Municipality (Destination Management and Economic Development) and The Knysna Art Society, aimed at creating interactive art and public spaces in key locations. This will encourage locals, visitors and foreign tourists to explore more of the greater Knysna area, go off the beaten-track, see, post and share with the rest of the world.

The goal being to provide a ‘Veni. Vidi. Amavi. We came, we saw, we loved’ experience right here on the Garden Route.

The project started in 2020 when Visit Knysna invited artists, crafters and creatives in the area to come up with ideas for an interactive art route that would capture the hearts of visitors, but also showcase the region’s natural assets.

Knysna Executive Mayor Ricky van Aswegen called this project one of the most exciting the town has embarked on in recent years. “Now more than ever, we need to build our tourism offerings. The interactive installations at view sites and cultural centres will encourage visitors to branch out and explore the entire greater Knysna area – and experience the unique and diverse nature of what we have to offer,” said Van Aswegen.

GM of Visit Knysna Colleen Durant explained this will showcase the very best of Knysna’s iconic locations by involving arts and the community. “Combining our most beautiful and photographed spots with art installations from our talented community of artists, will ensure we reverberate around the world,” she said.

The Knysna Art Society is working hard behind the scenes to make it all happen. Chairman Helena Gerber believes that this is just the sort of initiative that is needed to put the area back on the map as an art and culture destination. “In addition, the introduction of an art route linking installations, galleries, studios, artists and crafters with visitors will help to reinvigorate our local economy,” she said.

Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris said: “It is very exciting to see this creative project coming to life. I believe that interactive art illustrates a sense of creativity and cultural vibrancy, and promotes tourism. I hope residents and tourists alike will come and explore the greater Knysna area, engage with the art and all that the destination has to offer.”

Six iconic view sites were identified in 2020 to host an art installation – creating the perfect backdrop for that selfie.

• Judah Square in Khayalethu, home to the biggest community of Rastafarian people in South Africa, will get a 2.5 metre statue of a Rastafari priest mounted at the entrance to greet visitors. Ceramicist Eugene Lewis under the mentorship of artist Suzanne du Toit is already hard at work creating one of his Tribal Africa signature masterpieces.
• Thesen Island will set the scene for a giant nautilus sculpture of stainless steel and indigenous wood in front of the SANParks offices . The installation will be the end point of an extended SANParks experience which will now include an educational indigenous garden and, of course, a viewing of the famous Knysna seahorse.
• Belvidere and Brenton on Sea – two of greater Knysna’s most scenic spots, will benefit from stainless steel impressions of Knysna fynbos and butterflies.
• Buffalo Bay, a prime swimming and surfing spot, is to be enhanced with the “Buffalo Bay Boardwalk,” a series of surfboards painted by local artists. Already a popular water sport destination, the interactive art will help to turn this beach into a surfing icon.
• In Sedgefield, the existing character of this quaint town will be enhanced by a new mosaic sculpture by local NPO Masithandane. The colourful full-size VW Beetle will be parked on the edge of the Sedgefield estuary mouth, the latest addition to the Sedgefield Mosaic Route.
• In Knysna, the central business district will be brightened and cheered when the Knysna in Bloom flower pots in the Main Road and surrounds become creative canvases.

Now that the creative process is underway, Visit Knysna and the Knysna Art Society will work on the next phase of the project which will include interactive art installations on Leisure Island, Millionaire’s View Point in White Location and Diepwalle. Local artist Shelley du Plessis has also proposed transforming the dead tree’s in the town into colourful painted works of art.

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT.
WATCH THIS SPACE.

Read more about The Knysna Art Society which is breathing life into these projects: www.knysnaarts.com

Contact Helena Gerber from the Knysna Art Society on email knysnaartssociety@gmail.com for more information, or call 082 657 4122.

Posted in art

Are You Ready for the 2021 Knysna Oyster Festival?

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

According to Festival Coordinator Andew Finn, the calendar for the Knysna Oyster Festival taking place in July this year will be made up of an exciting mix of physical and virtual offerings and activities. “The festival is happening,” he said. “And we are getting ready for guests to STAY, WORK, PLAY in the greater Knysna area from 9 to 18 July.”

Finn confirmed that the festival mainstays will be taking place, albeit in different formats. “The Knysna Cycle Tour will be taking place,” he said. “Under COVID-19 prevention protocols, the Knysna Forest Marathon will, however, not be presented as in the past but, has been transformed into the In Knysna Virtual Marathon for this year, which will be taking place. The formats to these popular sporting competitions have been changed to accommodate all relevant health protocols and regulations, while still – and most importantly – offering fun, unique and challenging races to serious athletes and weekend warriors.”

Visit Knysna General Manager Colleen Durant, who has previous experience as the Race Director for IRONMAN South Africa, said that the organisers from both the running and cycling fraternities had gone to great lengths to create innovative hybrid and virtual activities. “While our calendar reflects set dates for both the In Knysna Virtual Marathon and the Knysna Cycle Tour, there are now fantastic physical and virtual components to these competitions,” she said.

She explained that all entries for the Knysna Forest Marathon had been migrated to the In Knysna Virtual Marathon. “Runners are able to choose between different course lengths and run their chosen routes on any of the days between 9 and 18 July. Visit Knysna and the organisers invite and encourage participants to come and run their courses in Knysna – the home of the original forest marathon. There will be many fun and exciting offers and other activities on offer throughout the greater Knysna area throughout that time, and we’d like our runners to join us in the fun. Runners will be recording their own times and submitting them upon completing their routes. This time will be kept as your 2021 race time and used for lucky draws.”

Finn added that the Knysna Cycle Tour has also included categories for E-Bikes. “E-Bike start times will be delayed to avoid these riders being in single tracks with faster mountain bike riders. The organisers have devised three probable scenarios to adhere to COVID-19 prevention protocols,” he said. “The most likely scenario is that the races take place with staggered starts of limited riders. Riders can rest assured that, however the situation may change between now and the advertised dates, they will be riding in July. Exciting news is that both the 50km road and 50km MTB races will also be available as virtual courses on the online platform Rouvy.”

Knysna Executive Mayor Elrick van Aswegen said that the ability to choose your own race day plays perfectly into the “festival’s” theme of STAY, WORK, PLAY. “Set your online meetings around your chosen race days,” he advised. “With fast, easy access to the Internet throughout our municipal area, bring your work and your family to the Knysna area for 10 days. Stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodation, work when you must and then play in and explore the whole of the greater Knysna area with friends and family.”

While not yet finalised, the programme already includes a Winter Christmas Market in Sedgefield, a sailing regatta, the Houtkapper Trail Run and children’s activities. “But that’s only the beginning,” said Finn. “We are still in the process of compiling the final programme, which we will advertise as soon as it is available. But we are excited to let our visitors and locals know that, aside from these old favourites, you’ll find festival-related pearls scattered throughout Knysna and Sedgefield from 9 to 18 July. There will be live music, wine and gin evenings, specials at your favourite restaurants and much, much more. All you need to do is be sure that you are here to enjoy it.”

The final calendar, with details on entries and ticket sales, will be made available at http://knysnaoysterfestival.co.za/events/.

Entries to the In Knysna Virtual Marathon and the Knysna Cycle Tour are now open.
Entry details, along with details on race protocols are available at www.knysnamarathonclub.com and www.knysnacycle.co.za respectively.
Browse Knysna’s accommodation options at https://www.visitknysna.co.za/stay/.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @KnysnaOysterFestival and keep an eye on www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za for updates.
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