It was a balmy Cape Town evening filled with magical moments and festive cheer, which saw a crowd of thousands gather to watch as the Moët & Chandon Golden Tree lit up against Table Mountain’s iconic silhouette. The collective joy was palpable as the grand tree’s twinkling lights sparkled in perfect unison to the sounds of ‘Nessun Dorma’ sung by internationally revered opera singers Given Nkosi and Magdalene Minnaar – a voice immediately recognisable from the opening of the Cape Town Stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Friday’s atmosphere of celebration was unparalleled as the newly crowned Rugby World Cup winning Captain Springbok Siya Kolisi and South African star Boity Thulo turned on the lights at this year’s 3rdannual Moët & Chandon Golden Tree Lighting Ceremony. Indeed, the dazzling lights, the crowd counting down to the flip of the switch and a stand-out performance by the Cape Town Youth Choir created a sense of wonder in the air.
“The Moët & Chandon Golden Tree is a true symbol of celebration. Every single bottle of Moët & Chandon used to build this magnificent Tree represents a #MOETMOMENT that was shared and celebrated in South Africa. So tonight we celebrate 2000 memorable moments between friends and families; the opening of the festive season and the start of what we hope will be an incredible new decade,” said Pascal Asin, Moët Hennessy Managing Director Africa & Middle East.
Revellers had many reasons to celebrate in 2019 – most notably the Springboks’ incredible World Cup rugby win and the 150th anniversary of the Moët Imperial, the Maison’s flagship champagne and a global symbol of celebration. Indeed, from the world’s sporting podiums to Hollywood’s red carpet, Moët Impérial has marked personal and public milestones and launched celebratory traditions. South Africa’s Moët & Chandon Golden Tree Lighting Ceremony now too takes its rightful place in the history books.
An impressive lighting display saw 230 metres of individually programmed LED lights illuminated in sync to festive music. Built with over 2000 recycled champagne bottles collected from all over the country, the Moët & Chandon Golden Tree was a sight to behold, wrapped in a shimmering gold ribbon created using over 2000 discs.
Moët & Chandon’s guests included a line-up of celebrities, sports stars and fashion royalty including Kefilwe Mabote, Kat Sinivasan, Mampho Brescia and Terry Pheto; sporting legends Jean de Villiers, Herschel Jantjies and Steven Kitshoff as well as fashion designer Gavin Rajah. And Moët & Chandon was honoured to host Stéphane Baschiera, Chairman and CEO of Moët & Chandon for this momentous occasion in South Africa.
And this year, for those that missed the opening ceremony, in the spirit of festive generosity Moët & Chandon have organised an additional Festive Friday, December 6, which will include a Golden Tree lighting experience at 8.30pm.
Important information:
Location: The Moët & Chandon Golden Tree is located in front of Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront Silo District.
Festive Friday: which include a tree lighting experience will take place at 8.30pm on December, 6.
The Moët Golden Tree will be situated in the Silo District until January 6.
Pictures: Supplied