Annual Cape Town Festive Lights Switch-one event attracts thousands of people to the Grand Parade

• Capetonians showed up in large numbers to enjoy the festivities of the annual Festive Lights Switch-on event on Sunday 26 November.
• The event, which symbolises the start of the festive season in the Mother City, attracted thousands of people to the streets of Cape Town.
• The official switch-on ceremony was done by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Premier Alan Winde at about 21:00.

Capetonians showed up in large numbers to enjoy the festivities of the annual Festive Lights Switch-on event on Sunday 26 November.

The event, which symbolises the start of the festive season in the Mother City, attracted thousands of people to the streets of Cape Town. It also marked the 54th anniversary of this family event.

Local artists like Alistair Izobel, rock ‘n roll Afrikaans band, RAAF, Matthew Mole, among others, kept the crowd entertained. Rapper and social media influencer Ricky Vani Frontline from Woodstock had the crowd on their feet when he took the stage. While award-winning rapper Cassper Nyovest and rapper Focalistic headlined the show.

Guiding the events of the afternoon and into the evening, were actress Jill Levenberg and actor Maurice Paige, along with radio personality Carl Wastie.

The official switch-on ceremony was done by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Premier Alan Winde at about 21:00.

Mitchell’s Plain resident, Gillian Zass explained that they loved the atmosphere and enjoyed “vibing with other people”.

Singer Alistair Izobel was one of several local artist who took to the stage.

People’s PostKAYLYNNE BANTOM

Nadia and Fabio Daniels, Vernon Hearne and Agnes Viljoen from Elsies River at the event.

People’s PostKAYLYNNE BANTOM

The Dynamic Dance group from Plumstead took part in the City’s Festive Lights Switch-On dance battle and took third place. Pictured are Tarryn, Zoe, Charlene, and Zeva Gomez, Amy Willemse, Charnique Newman and Mercia Nkonyana.

People’s PostKAYLYNNE BANTOM

Tammy, Madison and Mason Muller and Shandre Burrows from Goodwood and Heideveld enjoyed the festivities.

People’s PostKAYLYNNE BANTOM

Thousands of people attended the 54th edition of the event.

People’s PostKAYLYNNE BANTOM

The theme this year is Cape Town: A Future of Hope.PHOTO: supplied

“We haven’t been here in a few years. We are loving the vibe, and everyone is having a good time.”

Tammy Muller from Goodwood said this is her first year attending the event following a five-year hiatus.

Nadia Daniels from Elsies River said she and her family attend the event annually.

Hill-Lewis said: “I used to come here as a child for the switching on of the lights. It is a wonderful Cape Town tradition and our theme this year is A Future of Hope.”

Hill-Lewis wished Capetonians a safe holiday season.

“There are so many visitors coming to our city already. This is an important starter event for our peak visitor season, so we want to say to everyone welcome, have a great Christmas and holiday in our city.”