The annual Cape Town Summer Market, which opened on December 19 at the Company Gardens, is going to be boasting 150 stalls and new additions such as a mini amusement park and a wellness zone.
The opening ceremony for the Mother City’s official summer market took place on December 19 with Dan Plato, the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, in attendance.
The market is open from 6pm-11pm until December 23.
Plato explains that the market provides a good opportunity for job growth as well as the growing of small businesses.
“This year, residents and tourists will be spoilt for choice with … stalls at the market selling a range of crafts, food, toys, novelties and clothing items. The City’s Summer Market provides economic opportunities for our residents, especially those who trade to make a living, and I would love to see the traders growing their businesses and in turn further contributing towards job creation,” Plato says.
The market is a family-friendly event with live entertainment, delicious food stalls and an ideal place to purchase a variety of crafts and clothing from local traders.
In 2017, an estimated 70 000 people attended the market over the seven days it ran, with an average daily attendance of 10 000 people.
The market’s newly-added amusement park will have rides for toddlers and teenagers, while the newly-added wellness zone offers a range of pampering sessions to visitors.
A food truck competition will be held this year, with a cash prize of R250 for the winners.
Five different food trucks will present their dishes over the five days.
Patrons can look forward to a live concert from the Summer Star competition, where 16 upcoming musicians and singers will be showcasing their talent for R30 000-worth in prizes, including a R10 000 cash prize and funding towards creating the winner’s first single. Judges include Heart FM’s Denver Apolis, artist and producer Chad Saaiman, music producer Aki Khan, and more.
The winning artist will be announced on December 23. The City’s Mayoral Committee member for Urban Management, Grant Twigg, commented on the importance of recognising local talent.
“As an opportunity city, we are aware that we have an abundance of undiscovered talent in Cape Town and Event Management wants to assist [upcoming artists] to kick-start their music careers,” Twigg said.
Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy an evening of fun and food with the family at the Cape Town Summer Market.
Picture: City of Cape Town