Joburg Theatre in association with the City of Johannesburg entities: Joburg City Parks and Zoo and City Power are excited to present the second annual Festival of Lights commencing from 22 November 2020 – 3 January 2021.
The Festival marks its second year on the Jozi Festival calendar by offering a treat for all ages. Following the successful turnout by Joburgers last year, the festival promises once again to present an unmissable line-up of live performances including music, ballet, dance, Christmas carols, Opera, food and night market at the Bandstand.
“The Festival offers a unique experience for the citizens of South Africa. It has truly been a challenging year for us as a nation and I encourage patrons to come out in numbers by wearing masks and keeping a social distance whilst enjoying the tranquil offering that Joburg Theatre has compiled,” says Cllr Margaret Arnolds, MMC of Community Development at the City of Johannesburg.
This year the Festival of Lights has added new features to join the magnificent animal sculptures together with illuminated trees within the Zoo, combined with exciting live entertainment offerings is certainly not to be missed.
The festival kicks off with performances from two-time SAMA nominee, Timothy Moloi and the popular Joburg Ballet from the 22nd of November 2020. The double bill, world-class performances will be enjoyed by the festival-goers exclusively at Joburg Zoo.
Festival-goers, kids and adults alike, can expect an exciting and informative performance from the People’s Theatre from the 1st to the 6th of December. Now celebrating over 20 years of bringing great entertainment, the People’s Theatre promises to bring sparkling fun that all ages will enjoy.
‘We are thrilled to present the Festival once again, we embrace social distancing and COVID-19 regulations and promise to deliver a highly entertaining, world-class programme. Festival of Lights is an unmissable experience and offers a unique family festive experience in a safe and nocturnal environment,’ says Xoliswa Nduneni – Ngema, Chief Executive Officer of Joburg City Theatres.
From the 8th to the 13th of December, audiences will enjoy a truly unmissable experience of all things contemporary and hip hop dance from the talented Art of Dance hailing all the way from Ennerdale. These SA’s got Talent 2017 semi-finalists will have your jaw dropped on the amount of passion and talent they ooze. Followed by Tribhanghi Dance Company from the 15th to the 20th transporting audiences into a world of rich culture fusion. Tribhangi means ‘three bends in a body’ which is demonstrated through their unique presentation, challenging experimentation, enthusiasm and energy – hallmarks of every Tribhangi performance.
Patrons are encouraged to bring out their picnic blankets and enjoy food & beverages for all ages from the food stalls. “Place-making in the City to afford residents a unique after-hours experience in the build-up to the festive season, is vital to nurture healthy minds and vibrant communities,” says the excited Managing Director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo Bryne Maduka.
The week of the 22nd will feature a singing Christmas tree with Sempre Orchestra and choir spreading the Christmas cheer with their exciting entertainment. Festivalgoers will be treated to Christmas vibes all round until 27 December.
The festival will wrap on a high with a festive market from the 31st and the 1st of January followed by incredible performances from Shef and the Kitchen Music, a live performing international band from Orange Farm in the South of Johannesburg, and Bongi Mthombeni an award winning stage performer, actor and soulful musician with a string of accolades within the arts.
Tickets for the Festival are available at R90 for pensioners, R75 for kids and R150 for adults online at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670 for group bookings or www.webtickets.co.za and at selected Pick n Pay stores (full list at www.webtickets.co.za/pnpoutlets.aspx). Patrons can also buy tickets by visiting the Zoo, who are only accepting card transactions for purchasing tickets or for walk-ins. Block bookings also available contact: Tlhopiso Sera on 011 877 6815
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Joburg Theatre.
For media accreditation, interview requests and access to high res photos please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632 and speak to Dee’s
Note to editor
The full programme for the Festival of Lights:
Please note the Festival of Lights is on every night from 22nd November 2020 to 3rd January 2020 except on Monday evenings. In the case of rain disrupting the Festival of Lights please note your ticket will be refunded or you can choose another evening to attend.
Disclaimer: While every effort will be made to contact Ticket Holders in the event of rain forcing the Festival of Lights to reschedule, please also follow @Joburgtheatre social media pages for updates especially for walk-in patrons booking at the venue
Keep up to date with the festival on our social media platforms; Facebook.com/joburgtheatre, Facebook.com/JohannesburgZoo Instagram.com/JoburgTheatre, @Joburgtheatre or online at www.joburgtheatre.com and www.jhbzoo.org.za
