More than 95 000 people gathered for the Festive Lights Switch-On, now recognised as Cape Town’s biggest free concert, held yesterday (30 November).
This long-standing tradition is one of the city’s most cherished events and signals the official start of the festive season. The theme for this year is United in Hope.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis appeared in a newly created garment designed by the community. He emphasised the event’s power to bring people together.
“The event has been running for nearly 60 years. It is special when city’s have these long-standing traditions. This event really is where Capetonians come together from right across the city and turn the Grand Parade and Adderley Street into one big celebration of lights, music, friendship and everything that makes Cape Town the best city in the world perfectly captured in this year’s theme, ‘United in Hope’.”
Adderley Street lit up. PHOTO: SUPPLIED 
Singer Kurt Darren on stage. Photo: Kaylynne Bantom 
Chandre Frieslaar, Amelia Vries and Sabina Petersen enjoyed the festivities. Photo: Kaylynne Bantom 
Courtney Paulse, Zenica Lewin and Chalee Petersen could not wait to see their favourite artists live on stage. Photo: Kaylynne Bantom 
Singing sensation, Tarryn Lamb had the crowd on their feet. Photo: Kaylynne Bantom 
Local rapper Early B had the crowd on their feet. PHOTO: Kaylynne Bantom 
Mayor Geordin Hill Lewis donning his brand-new community designed garment with local singing sensation Kurt Darren. PHOTO: Kaylynne Bantom 
Provincial minister for cultural affairs and sport Ricardo MacKenzie, local singer Alistair Izobell, Mayor Geordin Hill Lewis and Terry Fortune. PHOTO: Kaylynne Bantom
The programme featured an exciting lineup of local artists, including GoodLuck, Kurt Darren, Tarryn Lamb, Karabo Mogane, Early B & Justin Vega, The Heavenly Quartez, and the popular DJ Masoodah, with headline performer DJ Zinhle closing the show.
The crowd erupted as Hill-Lewis switched on the lights shortly after 21:00.
Local rapper Early B extended his well-wishes to the city’s residents for the holiday period.
“Take it easy and be safe on the roads. Enjoy it and be blessed.”
