NEWS RELEASE                                                                               5 January 2003

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CAPE TOWN FESTIVAL NAMED AS FLAGSHIP EVENT FOR CAPE OF GREAT EVENTS

The Cape Town Festival is a grand vision. It is the Mother City’s premiere arts and cultural showcase, bringing together the best in local and international dance, visual arts, music, film, photography, spoken word, theatre and nightlife. Born out of the “One City, Many Cultures” festival, it has evolved into the foremost platform for the promotion of the arts and arts-based cultural tourism. It is very much a partnership between the city and the dedicated people who make it possible. In recognition of this, the Cape Town Festival been officially named one of the flagship events for The Cape of Great Events.

The Cape of Great Events has a grand vision. By the year 2010 Cape Town and the Western Cape should be recognised as a unique, world-class events destination delivering real economic and social value to all citizens through the hosting of events. Central to this vision is the regeneration of the inner-city precinct. Says Pat Lennox of the City of Cape Town “The Cape Town Festival, now entering its fifth year, is integral to the realization of our vision. The city recognizes the potential of the Cape Town Festival to act as a catalyst for positive change within the inner-city, and we would like to officially welcome the Cape Town Festival as one of the flagship events of the Cape of Great Events.”

He added, “Events play a significant role in the context of destination planning, enhancing and linking tourism and commerce. Events are for everyone, to raise a smile, to stimulate the imagination, to broaden horizons and to unleash individual potential. The Cape Town Festival achieves all of these.”

Essentially a vehicle for cultural interaction and unity, the festival is a celebration of the arts and diverse cultures that epitomise the Mother City. It is a multi-faceted event bringing together the different communities in a spirit of unity and creation. The Cape Town Festival 2004 is set to bring to the city the best of South African and international dance, visual arts, music, film, photography, literature, theatre and nightlife. Festival dates for 2004 are 14 to 22 March.

Says newly appointed CEO Yusuf Ganief, “There are eight events which carry the official endorsement of the City of Cape Town as  flagship events of the Cape of Great Events, and we are thrilled and honoured to be named as one of these, alongside events such as the J&B Met and the Cape Times FNB Big Walk. Says Ganief, “The Cape Town Festival has become an established collective event that caters to all the city’s residents and visitors alike. We continually strive to push the boundaries of organizational excellence, and 2004 will see a more efficient and streamlined festival than ever before.”

For those not yet in the know, the Cape Town Festival is made up of a number of highlight events which include Night Vision, a nocturnal celebration of the CBD; the African Summer Stage; the Company’s Garden concert and In-Touch, a series of community festivals which takes place on the outskirts of the city.

More than anything, the Cape Town Festival gives us all a reason to celebrate the beauty of the city and the people who live here.

 It is indeed a Great Event.

 ENDS

Issued by                     Rosemary Hare Public Relations cc

                                    P O Box 12521

                                    MILL STREET

                                    8010

 On behalf of                The City of Cape Town

                                    Private Bag X9181

                                    Cape Town

                                    8000

 For further information, please contact Rebecca Atherstone at Rosemary Hare Public Relations, on 021-465 1166 or 072 242 2685

All information documents produced by Rosemary Hare Public Relations are available on the website www.rosehare.co.za