Born from the celebration of 100 years of Afrikaans last year, the Kultura-fees, a Durbanville-based festival celebrating community and creativity through an exciting line-up of artists, is returning this year from 30 July to 2 August, with the Band Battle final with Francois van Coke on 21 August.

The festival is being presented on the campus of Curro Durbanville High School.

Acclaimed performers

This year’s programme features acclaimed performers including Albert Pretorius and Schalk Joubert, Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck and Deon van Zyl, Alfred Adriaan, Karen Zoid with Anton Eloff, and Francois van Coke, alongside a vibrant mix of emerging local talent.

The first Kultura-fees honoured language and heritage, and the second edition has grown into something even bigger: a festival of community to bring together local artists, emerging talent and established names on one shared stage.

“Kultura is more than a festival; it is a space where a community sees itself reflected in its language, creativity, and shared stories. What began as a celebration of Afrikaans has grown into something more — a platform where diverse voices come together to create something meaningful. That is what makes this year’s festival so special — it belongs to everyone who is part of this community,” says Riaan Stroebel, executive head of Curro Durbanville.

Stories, music and moments that stay with you

In Ek is nie Danie on Friday 31 July, Albert Pretorius and Schalk Joubert bring a gripping piece of rock theatre that weaves poetry, music and storytelling into a powerful, deeply moving experience. Built around poems from Danie Marais’s four collections, it is an honest, raw and uncompromising story about parenthood, identity and the search for belonging.

Two-time KKNK Kanna Award winners Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck and Deon van Zyl breathe new life into Verna Vels’s beloved stories in Liewe Heksie en die Wals on Saturday 1 August. When Liewe Heksie must protect the Silver Rose from the Yellow Witch, and somehow learn to waltz, things don’t quite go according to plan.

Alfred Adriaan, one of South Africa’s most popular comedians, is back with a brand-new show, Positive Strokes, on Saturday 1 August. Featuring sharp wit, honest storytelling and humour that hits genuinely close to home, Adriaan delivers exactly what he promises, and then some.

Band Battle

Without the thundering rock band, Karen Zoid takes the stage on Sunday 2 August with only her acoustic guitar, accompanied on piano by Anton Eloff. The result is intimate, personal and unforgettable.

The festival comes to an end on Friday 21 August with the Band Battle final with Francois van Coke. After weeks of fierce competition and mentorship, the best school bands from the Western Cape take the stage for the ultimate showdown. Francois van Coke leads the judging panel, and he and his full band will close out the evening with a headline performance of their own.

Young talent takes centre stage

Two exciting competitions for high school learners form an integral part of the festival:The Band Battle returns, once again inviting school bands from across the Western Cape to prove their mettle, with Francois van Coke as head judge.The Afrikaans public speaking competition Nou Praat Jy! is also back. The competition is now running at national level under the theme “Kyk Noord!” with categories for both home language and first additional language speakers.

Solid cash prizes are up for grabs in both competitions, and schools are encouraged to enter their strongest teams.

Flavours of the valley

From Saturday 1 August, celebrated farms from the Durbanville Wine Valley will bring their finest to the festival. When you are not lingering over a glass, wander through rows of stalls or indulge at the food court.

• Tickets are available at Quicket.co.za.

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