BEST NYE PARTIES 2014/5

Being a Capetonian in December is really not cool. You see, being able to commit to only one New Year’s Eve party is kind of a big deal, especially when there’s so much happening. A mass-dilemma occurs every year around this time with NYE plans chopping and changing faster than you can say Auld Lang Syne.

To spare you the hassle of trawling the internet for a suitable plan come 31 December, here are the New Year’s Eve parties which make our cut.

Rezonance New Year’s Eve Festival
A massive four-day psychedelic festival less than 20 minutes away from the city centre. Set up camp, dance under the stars, lose yourself, forget who you are and then try string back the fuzzy memories four days later. Thousands of Cape Town locals make the pilgrimage to Rez every year to indulge in the sounds of international and local artists. And when relentless dancing becomes a bit much, find solace in the Chill Temple or one of the gourmet food stalls on site.
Where Contermanskloof, Durbanville
Cost R500 – R700

New Year’s Eve at Karibu

An eight course meal with a South African flavour to ring in the New Year. Karibu offers guests champagne on arrival followed by tantalizing menu options such as Butternut & Naartjie Soup, Ostrich Carpaccio, Babotie and Traditional Milktart.

Shimmy’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
Opulence. Glitz and glamour. That’s the usual standard at Shimmy. Expect beats on this man-made beach with beautiful people, plus a performance by London’s sexiest dancers, The Girly Show. For the high rollers who don’t want to mingle with the plebeians in the general section, there’s a Premium ticket option you can drop five grand on.
Where Shimmy Beach Club, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront
Cost R850 – R5 500

NYE at the V&A Waterfront
The razzle and dazzle of the annual fireworks display at the V&A Waterfront is probably one of the most photographed moments in Cape Town history. Expect a large celebration on a custom-built stage on the water’s edge, with acts such as Hot Water, Jeremy Loops and Mi Casa sure to wow the crowd.
Where V&A Waterfront
Cost Free

The People’s NYE
Now in its third year, this is a shindig with a difference. The guys behind it (aka The Committee) aren’t interested in profit: this is a party by the people, of the people and for the people. R230 gets your name on the list, after which no cash is exchanged. That’s right: free and free-flowing booze all night. Throw in awesome DJs, a rooftop venue, photo booths and other rad party extras, and you’ve got yourself an awesome way to see in 2015. And if you like partying for a cause, you’ll be happy to hear that all excess funds are donated to charity after the event. Invitations are strictly by word of mouth – you’ve got to know a guy who knows a girl who knows a guy. Keep your ear to the ground and maybe we’ll see you there kids! (Join the conversation on Twitter: @peoplesNYE)
Where Secret location, no tickets at the door
Cost R230

Local is lekker at GOLD Restaurant

An evening of fine dining with an African twist lies await at Gold Restaurant on NYE. Guests will receive a cocktail upon arrival and then be treated to a Djembe drumming circle followed by an 18-dish African and Cape Malay set menu. The festivities really kick off at 11 pm when the ABAVUKI band begins their gig until the wee hours.
Where GOLD Restaurant
Cost R1 300pp + 10% service charge

New Year’s Eve Street Party at Fire&Ice! Hotel
Prepare for a dash of colour in the streets of the CBD as they get transformed into a tropical island beach-themed street party, courtesy of this extreme-themed hotel.
Where Fire&Ice! Hotel, 198 Bree Street, CBD
Cost R200 – R1 550

Kirstenbosch New Year’s Eve Concert
For those sitting on the fence between wanting to go out and doing something chilled, the New Year’s Eve Concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens is for you. Find yourself in a safe and peaceful environment as you savour the sounds of South African icons Mango Groove and Arno Carstens.
Where Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands
Cost R310

NYE at Mezepoli Meze & Wine Bar
Make your last meal of 2014 one to remember at Mezepoli. Indulge in their brilliant offering of Mediterranean delicacies such as keftethes, tirosalata, prawns, calamari and souvlaki chicken. Basically the best meze dishes you will find in Cape Town. Prosecco will be served upon the countdown.
Where Mezepoli Meze & Wine Bar
Cost R700 pp

Electric Vines Music Festival
Electric Vines is a newcomer to Cape Town’s New Year’s Eve offering and it’s shaping up to be a haven for lovers of live music. Whether you sport a beard or not, the sounds of acts such as Goodluck, Just Jinjer and Jeremy Loops will set an epic tone for party-goers in the beautiful Robertson Valley.
WhereArabella Wine Estate, Route 60, Ashton
Cost R500 – R2 000

New Year’s Eve on Table Mountain
Witnessing the last sunset of the year from one of the world’s natural wonders is something that everybody in Cape Town needs to do at some point or other. Although not strictly a New Year’s Eve party (the last cable car down is at 9 pm), this is the perfect way to ease into the festivities later on in the night.
Where The lower cable station is on Tafelberg Road, at the top of Kloof Nek Road
Cost R225 return for adults, R110 return for under-18s

New Year’s Eve dinner at The Twelve Apostles
There aren’t many better ways to usher in the new year than by partaking in an epic six-course dinner at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa as you watch the sun setting for the last time in 2014. After the culinary formalities, diners will move over to the Leopard Bar where 2015 will begin with a boogie.
Where The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Cost R2 200 pp

Nu World Eve: Time Traveller’s Ball
I really wanted to use the word ‘quirky’ here but I feel it’s a bit overdone. Anyway, Nu World Eve is being hosted by The Flamjangled Tea Party and Balkanology and if those are foreign names to you, expect eccentricity, laughs and Balkan beats at the most fitting venue for such whimsical festivities, Vaudeville.
Where Sideshow (old Vaudeville), 11 Mechau Street, CBD
Cost R250

Photography Courtesy