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Virtual Nationl Arts Festival Makhanda

25 June 2020

 

It's the first day of the National Arts Festival Makhanda, though I see that they have dropped the City's name all together now. It makes sense as this year, due to the Covid 19 pandemic ranging all over the world, the whole arts festival has gone virtual. You can even browse the Virtual Green for all your favourite traders usually found in the tents on the Village Green. It's amazing what can be done when you have no choice. Necessity really is mother of invention.

 

Though it is wonderful that the show can go on, it is a little sad for us in Makhanda. Today would usually be the first day of an influx of people coming to enjoy 10 days of amazing. The hustle and bustle all over town, will be missed - even if we often complain about the ques at the supermarket the lack of our favourite parking and there's always someone who enters our retail mall from the wrong entrance causing a hoo haa.  It's quiet out there, friends. 

 

Everyone can still support the festival and enjoy all the shows in the comfort of your own home. You'll surely be warmer but be sure to make yourself a  pot of gluhwien anyway. It's tradition.

 

 The country and even the world has gained access to a fabulous festival but I think it's safe to say, that there are mixed feelings for most of us in the City today. We are glad that the festival has been able to find a new way forward, but it is hard to get our heads around the fact that maybe we have lost the Arts Festival, as we know it, forever. 

 

To those of us living in the area, please be kind to our restaurants and coffee shops, accommodation operators and street vendors. They will need what support we can give them this month and in the months to come. I know you will.

 

I will be trading at an independent VIrtual Market on Facebook this weekend. TRADE at Home - Virtual Market. Pop over and join the group, I hope you'll 'stop by' on Saturday between your shows.