The 54th edition of this family-oriented free event is a highlight on the City’s calendar and attracts thousands of people of all ages from across the entire metropole and the rest of the country.

This year, the city will provide festival goers with a glimpse into the future with a fresh new vibe and theme, ‘Cape Town: A Future of Hope’, that looks to meld the heritage of the city and natural environment with the promise of what a technologically charged tomorrow can bring.

With the future theme in mind, a youth performing arts competition will be announced soon to provide an opportunity for the youth to participate in the festive event.

Aside from the energetic line-up of gifted artists who will entertain, the executive mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, will officially switch on the festive lights.

The switch-on moment will be directly followed by a pyrotechnics display and a spectacular light show mapped out on the wall of City Hall.

Also lighting up the Grand Parade this year is a giant 10-metre-high purpose-built tree that will be decorated with green foliage and festooned with lights to bring cheer throughout the festive period.

‘It’s been a long year for many, and the winter cold and rains have added another dimension to the challenges that many of us face, said Hill-Lewis ‘I, for one, am looking forward to the official start of summer, which is heralded by the switch-on of our festive lights.’

‘This year’s theme of A Future of Hope encapsulates our vision for our city, and what every Capetonian wants for our country too. So, I hope you will all join me on the Grand Parade on 26 November for some fun, a sing-along and a good day out for all the family, as all are welcome.’