An anticipated 80 000 people will gather on the Grand Parade and surrounds on Sunday 1 December 2024 to celebrate the official start of summer with the City of Cape Town’s annual free Festive Lights Switch-On. Read more below:
The event theme this year is ‘People of Hope’, and offers something for everyone. The artist line-up includes rising star Carletheia, legends Dr Victor & the Rasta Rebels, 3 Tons of Fun, Wynand and Chereé Strydom, MÖRDA, Mafikizolo and many more, not to mention the switch-on moment and the now famed, video mapping of the City Hall. Anchoring the event are comedians Alan Committie and Lunga Tshuka, as well as DJ Caycee who will keep the beats alive throughout the night.
Earlier this month, the City hosted a Festive Lights Switch-On Comedy Competition. The top three contestants will join the line-up this Sunday.
The Festive Lights Switch-On is a family-focused event, and the public is assured that everything possible is being done to ensure their safety.
The City’s Safety and Security Directorate will work closely with the South African Police Service and private security agencies.
‘The Festive Lights Switch-On is a highlight on Cape Town’s events calendar. For the past 55 years, it has offered a vibrant blend of live entertainment, and the dazzling spectacle of the festive lights. This year will be no different, and our priority is to create a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone. We urge attendees to respect the rules and co-operate with event staff to ensure the festivities remain a positive experience for all,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
The City will follow a zero tolerance approach with regards to the use of alcohol, illegal substances, fireworks and the carrying of dangerous weapons at the event. Other prohibited items include umbrellas and gazebos, gas spray cans or any other corrosive materials.
The festival footprint can be accessed through 12 chutes that will open from 13:00, ahead of the event’s start at 16:00.
Participants will be searched at all entrance chutes and festival attendees found in possession of any prohibited items will be turned away.
The KID SMART Project will be on site in the City Hall and will provide a sophisticated monitoring system to help reunite any lost children with their parents. Children will be kitted out with a temporary ‘SMART’ bracelet on arrival at the event, with contact details of their parents. This is not compulsory, but the City encourages parents and guardians to make use of this free service.
Water points will be available inside the event footprint including four on the Grand Parade, one on Upper Adderley Street and one on Lower Adderley Street.
The kiosks on the Grand Parade and vendors in Lower Plain Street will be trading on the day, serving food, snacks and soft drinks.
TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT
With the concert event scheduled to start at 16:00 and finish at 22:00, MyCiTi will have a late-night service to Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain during the event, with the last departure at 23:15 from the Civic Centre station.
Motorists and residents are reminded that there will be road closures from Tuesday 26 November 2024 until Tuesday 3 December 2024. This is to allow for set-up and logistical planning. There will be no access for buses and taxis to Adderley Street during this time.
The full list of road closures is available here: https://bit.ly/3V9pVYl
Due to the road closures on Sunday 1 December, service on several MyCiTi routes will be impacted, including Route 106 which will deviate via Strand Street. The bus will therefore miss the Groote Kerk stop in both directions.
A comprehensive list of the MyCiTi deviations is available here: https://www.myciti.org.za/en/timetables/planned-service-disruptions/
Residents are reminded to bring sunhats, sun block, and to wear comfortable clothing including something warmer for the evening
For more information, visit www.capetown.gov.za/general/festive-lights-switch-on