Makhanda is alive: National Arts Festival returns to normality! [photos]

Makhanda is alive: National Arts Festival returns to normality! [photos]Three years after its last live show, the National Arts Festival has returned to normality and is operating at 100% capacity.

by Naledi de Wee

24-06-2022 13:21

in Entertainment

The 48th annual National Arts Festival officially opened on Thursday 23 June. Image: Supplied. Photographer: Mark Wessels

The National Arts Festival opened its first live event in three years on Thursday 23 June and the atmosphere was exceptional. This comes after Health Minister, Joe Phaahla, scrapped face masks and event restrictions which capped capacity at 50%.

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Audiences at the 48th annual National Arts Festival rejoiced as previously sold-out shows to see local musos Amanda Black and Ringo Madlingozi were re-opened to accommodate 50% more seats.

ALSO READ: National Arts Festival: Makhanda ready to welcome artists and visitors

OPENING OF THE 48TH ANNUAL NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL The opening of the 48th annual National Arts Festival saw audience members join artists on stage at the SAfm Sundowner concerts to sing and celebrate a new chapter for local entertainment.

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Local and national government representatives who gathered in Mkhanda shared their heartfelt messages of support. National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula was also present to share in the moment and spoke about the devastating effects that COVID-19 has had on the arts industry.

Eastern Cape MEC, Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi called the province, the creative home of South Africa .

The amount of creative talent this province has produced remains unmatched. I will be the first to admit though that most of this talent leaves the province for greener pastures elsewhere, added Mani-Lusithi.

OPERATING AT FULL CAPACITY Following the announcement from Health Minister Joe Phaahla, festival CEO Monica Newton said operating at full capacity is the biggest win for the arts and events industry.

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Operating at 50% capacity was completely unsustainable for most festivals, theatres and sports events unless they passed the lost revenue onto the customer in the form of higher ticket prices which ultimately decrease access to only a small demographic, continued Newton.

The good news is an auspicious start to the 2022 National Arts Festival and we hope the beginning of a much-needed rejuvenation of the arts.

Take a look at the full schedule here

FIRST DAY HIGHLIGHTS Performers at the official opening of the 48th annual National Arts Festival. Image: Supplied Photographer: Mark Wessels Performers at the official opening of the Festival. Image: Supplied Photographer: Mark Wessels Performers at the official opening of the Festival. Image: Supplied Photographer: Mark Wessels

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