22 November 2021 to 2 January 2022
Joburg Theatre in association with the City of Johannesburg entities; Joburg City Parks and Zoo and City Power are excited to present the third annual Joburg Festival of Lights featuring an enchanting collection of illuminated life-size animal characters and classical, harmonious entertainment, food and craft night market for visitors to the Joburg Zoo.
Launching on the 25th of November and open from 6pm – 10pm daily except on Mondays, patrons can enjoy a tranquil walk in the zoo on a designated lit route away from the animals under trees decorated in enchanting lights. The Joburg Zoo Festival of Lights offers patrons entertainment and a perfect night out in the zoo for all ages
This year’s dynamic entertainment lineup is set to enchant, enthral and leave an everlasting impression on festival-goers with the theatre bringing back firm favourites such as Joburg Ballet’s Nutcracker, Bongi Mthombeni, and introducing dynamic fresh talent, Biko’s Manna a highly gifted sibling band, Soulphiatown, a duo popular for epitomizing African Pop in its purest form, and the award-winning, vocalist Brenda Mthambo who are all just as delightful.
As with all the other years, festival-goers will get an opportunity to indulge in an array of delicacies that can be purchased from the vendor stalls that will be operating for the duration of the Festival.
“We are excited to be able to deliver another instalment of the festival together with our partners . Patrons are assured of enchanting festive lights, great entertainment, diverse market stalls where they can indulge in delicious delights to further enhance their experience at the festival this year.” Shares Xoliswa Nduneni – Ngema, Chief Executive Officer of Joburg City Theatres.
Kicking off the festival calendar and ending November on a glowing high are performances from the Joburg Ballet’s Nutcracker which is a well-loved classic, who will first be joined by the young and talented sibling band Biko’s Manna from the 26th to the 28th of November then later joined by Soulphiatown until the 5th of December.
From the 7th to the 12th of December, Audiences get to enjoy contemporary dance from Art of Dance, a truly unmissable experience for lovers of all things dance. Sharing the same stage during this week is the very talented singer songwriter, Xoli B whose magical performance is an enthralling and healing experience.
From the 14th to the 19th, Tribhanghi Dance Company will transport audiences into a world of rich culture fusion through dance. The dance company whose work seeks to reflect a profound sensitivity, respect, understanding and knowledge of the cultures through dance also boasts a repertoire that includes African, Indian, Contemporary and Afro-fusion. Sharing the stage with them is Shef and the kitchen delivering an incredible performance. This live performing international Afro Jazz Funk band, born from the dusty streets of Orange Farm in the south of Johannesburg is a must watch as they deliver their original lyrics in Isizulu, Xitsonga and English.
This year’s programme also ushers in the Christmas spirit with carolling delivered by the Sempre Opera and Mzansi Youth Choir during Christmas week from the 21st to the 26th except for Christmas day.
Award-winning vocalist Brenda Mtambo and Tembisa born musician, pianist, music arranger, sound engineer and producer, Bongi Mthombeni will conclude the Festival of Lights calendar on a musical high from the 28th of December to the 2nd of January 2022.
Patrons are encouraged to bring along their camping chairs and picnic blankets to sit on as they listen and enjoy entertainment under Joburg’s starry night sky. The festival will adhere to the level 1 lockdown Covid protocols and patrons are urged to observe them.
Tickets are available atwww.joburgtheatre.com priced at R75 for kids 3 – 12 years, R90 for pensioners and R150 for kids 12+ and adults, Kids under 3 enter free. Joburg Theatre are excited to share that there will be a black Friday sale where tickets can be bought at 50% off on the 26 of November 2021.
As a disclaimer, the festival organizers would like to inform the public that entertainment will be weather dependent and they request that, while all efforts will be made to communicate with ticket buyers, patrons especially the walk-ins who plan to buy tickets at the gate, need to follow updates on Joburg Theatre social media pages should there be any last-minute event cancellations due to bad weather conditions. Festival-goers are also asked to allow for extra time for Covid screening procedures when they attend the festival.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Joburg Theatre – www.joburgtheatre.com
For media enquiries or interview requests please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or call 011 788 7632
Keep up to date with the festival on our social media platforms;
Facebook: @joburgtheatre
Instagram: @Joburgtheatre
Online: www.joburgtheatre.com
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The full programme for the Festival of Lights line-up:
Programme 1–26- 28 November 2021 -Joburg Ballet's Nutcracker AND Bikos Manna
Programme 2– 30 November – 5 December 2021 –Joburg Ballet's Nutcracker AND Soulphiatown
Programme 3 – 7 -12 December 2021 – Art of Dance AND Xoli B
Programme 4–14- 19 December 2021 - Shef and the Kitchen AND Tribhangi Dance Theatre
Programme 5–21 – 26 December 2021 - Christmas carols
Programme 6 – 28 December 2021 -2 January 2021 – Bongi Mthombeni AND Brenda Mtambo
Parking is available at the Upper Park Drive parkade.
The Dont’s
• No balloons or balls are allowed
• No pets allowed
• No alcohol allowed
• No mask, no entry
• No cooler boxes
• No food
