Every year, one of the most important cultural events is held in Grahamstown just as winter’s icy fingers start to encircle the warm, excited breaths of students and visitors. What exactly is there for these 100,000-odd fest-goers to do in this ten-day whirlwind adventure?

When you stumble out onto the streets on a Sunday morning in the middle of university vacation in Grahamstown and you see more people than your friendly neighbourhood bum, an overdressed but frazzled-looking first-year girl and Hitec security officials outside, you know what time of year it is. The wind is icy, nipping your ears and successfully erasing all traces of what you previously called fingers and toes from your memory. Bustling with strangers, the small town’s once comforting shops become nightmares to traverse, and the streets – however pedestrian-friendly wide zebra crossings are supposed to make them – even more so. That’s right – it’s time for the Grahamstown National Arts Festival.

But, what to do?

Firstly, you should know that there are two separate arts line-ups: the Main programme and the Fringe programme. Here’s the kind of thing you can expect from these two interesting agendas.

The Main programme:

•  Theatre: A range of stage and street and comedy acts are on show at various venues for the duration of the festival, and they come from across the country and are performed by artists ranging from university students to professional actors and actresses.

•  Dance: enjoy everything from the likes of Swan Lake and other ballet productions to local shows such as Rhythms of the Eastern Cape: amaBhaca.

•  Music showcased by everyone from high school pianists to full brass bands is what keeps Grahamstown busting during Festival time. Music can be found around every corner you peep!

•  Art: exhibitions, street art and other showcases can be found in most civic and university buildings on most festive days. Find anything that tickles yours fancy – be it photography, classic art, something abstract, or even if you happen to walk into a live public art production. Have fun!

The Fringe programme:

In the Fringe programme, many of the same entertainment as described above can be found alongside two other interesting projects.

•  WordFest: a collection of fine debaters speak on a range of subjects for the duration of the festival. Whether it’s music history that tickles your toes or fracking that wracks your nerves get in on the conversation.

•  Re-Imagine: Creative Practice in Sustainability: In partnership with the Sustainability Commons, Rhodes University societies present interesting and informative projects on different environmental topics such as composting and water availability.

Check out the Main programme and the Fringe programme out here: http://www.nationalartsfestival.co.za/ for more details and to plan your own Fest adventure!

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