For the third year in a row, Streetopia returns to Observatory, a street celebration in the spirit of arts festival Afrikaburn.
In a void left by the now-defunct Obsfest, Streetopia rose from the proverbial ashes courtesy of the Afrikaburn committee and a collaboration of the Observatory community. Three years later, the event is gaining popularity far and wide, not just for those who revel in the desert once year, but attracting a like-minded crowd from far beyond the edges of the bohemian suburb.
This year’s installment takes place on November 25 from 10am – 6pm and entrance is free.
Think of Streetopia as a blank space where everyone is invited to play, coupled with the culturally diverse and vibrant community of Observatory. It’s art. It’s expression. Somewhere between Open Streets and Afrikaburn. What we have here is a section of Lower Main Road and surrounds which comes alive with artwork, performance, music, market stalls and a multitude of spontaneous activities – for one day only. Over 4500 people attended last year’s festivities.
Lower Main Road closures
Market stalls have been shifted from their prior location between Collingwood and Station to the other end of Lower Main Rd, between Trill Rd to Norfolk Rd. Along with this change, the intersections of Bowden, Wrensch and Sussex roads will be subject to restricted access. Residents that live along this strip will be provided with access passes ahead of the event date. These will enable them to come and go as normal – but all other vehicles except emergency vehicles will not be permitted to access Lower Main Rd during the event period.
Station Road closure
From the morning of November 25 until 6pm, Station Rd will be subject to a soft closure from Herschel Road to James Street, ie: only emergency vehicles will be permitted to travel along this strip.
Nuttall Road – Traffic calming
Nuttall Rd will not be closed, but will have marshalls stationed along the first section from Station to Trill, to manage the preparation of processions in this area. Residents on Nuttall will not require Access Passes and marshalls will be present to ensure driveways and access roads remain open to residents.
Traffic marshalls
In keeping with the City of Cape Town’s event permit requirements, Traffic Marshalls will be stationed at all affected intersections and closures, and also around the periphery of the event area, to assist residents with access and ensure traffic is diverted around the area smoothly.
Parking plans
All existing and potential parking areas have being identified by our event team, with a view to promoting the use of these as much as possible to those expected to attend on the day. These include existing parking spaces such as Pepper Square Parking Lot (behind the Spar), Obs Station and along Liesbeeck Parkway. Discussions are underway to secure additional parking spaces in proximity to the event area.
Public transport
In keeping with the requirements of event permit stipulations, every mode of public transport will be promoted as a means of alleviating undue pressure on the narrow streets and limited parking space within Obs. Among these are:
– cycling is encouraged, and there are numerous safe space alongside the Village Green to lock bikes to fencing
– MyCiti bus service is available, terminating at Salt River (400m from event area)
– Golden Arrow buses are available from Cape Town CBD, and from outlying areas
– Metrorail service from Cape Town Central
– Minibus taxis are frequent along Main Rd, Obs.
Over the ensuing weeks these will be communicated via every channel available.
Photography Courtesy