Cape Town's festive season is gaining momentum as the city's Adderley Street light displays were tested on November 11 ahead of the annual Festive Lights Switch-On on November 29. The test drive, held under this year's theme "Beacon of Hope," gave residents and visitors a preview of the lights and entertainment planned for the event. The city's Mayor-elect, Geordin Hill-Lewis, joined local and international performers for the dress rehearsal.
The annual Festive Lights Switch-On is a longstanding feature of Cape Town's festive season, with Adderley Street at the centre of the celebrations. This year's event promises to be an exciting one, with a range of performances lined up, including traditional Cape Minstrels, musician Ricki Vani Frontline, Khayelitsha rapper Dee Koala, singer Vernon White, the West London All Stars, Neon Pulse Drummers, DJ Dre, and Festive Lights co-host Tyrone Paulsen.
As part of the City's festive programme, Mayor-elect Geordin Hill-Lewis received a special gift - a sleeveless crochet vest selected as the winning design in the City's Wear the Hope Design and Make Challenge. The garment was created by Inez Shaw from Kenilworth, who heads up the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design. Shaw was surprised to win and initially nervous about taking on the responsibility of making the garment.
Shaw shared her experience of creating the vest, saying she was comfortable supporting other people's creative work but not her own. She was thrilled to see Mayor-elect Geordin Hill-Lewis wearing the finished jersey, surrounded by some of the people who helped make it. The 57th annual Festive Lights Switch-On will take place on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street in the Cape Town CBD.
The event will run from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM and promises to be an exciting celebration of music, entertainment, and community spirit. Inez Shaw, the designer of the winning crochet vest, shared a message of encouragement with Cape Town residents, saying "Masikhuthazane, meaning 'Let us encourage one another'."
Shaw hopes that Cape Town will continue creating opportunities for people to share their skills, learn from one another, and contribute to their communities. She believes that people do not have to be the same or agree on everything to work together and make a positive difference.
The Festive Lights Switch-On is a celebration of community and tradition in Cape Town, and this year's event is expected to be a highlight of the festive season. With its unique blend of music, entertainment, and community spirit, the event is sure to attract large crowds and provide a memorable experience for all who attend.
Key points
- The 57th annual Festive Lights Switch-On will take place on November 29, 2026, at the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street in the Cape Town CBD.
