Let Our Festival Begin!

The Prince Albert Town and Olive Festival is upon us once more so it is time take to the streets, dust off the dancing shoes and have a party. It is time to welcome friends old and new to our town and to share a little Prince Albert magic.

This year we have some wonderful entertainment lined up, together with our usual delicious food, fresh produce, wine, crafts and many cultural activities. Highlights of this year’s festival are bound to be the breathtaking acrobatics and high wire antics of the South African National Circus School and the Jazz Art Dance Company’s street procession of the Karoo Mermaid puppets made by the town’s children, culminating in a dance performance that will hold you spellbound.

We have a very exciting line up of music performances to cater for all tastes. Our very own Brian Finch will get you rocking and don’t miss his brand new song dedicated to Outa Lappies, who will also be displaying his uniquely remarkable crafts. Dave Ferguson will play his goose-bump-inducing rockabilly blues and have you spellbound with his harmonica riffs. We also welcome back the Riebeek Kasteel Steel Band and for the first time, look forward to hearing the mellow beat of the Principia College’s Marimba Band.
Local is definitely lekker with the introduction of two wonderful groups, ZigZag Generation and Slam Jam Music Factory to get your feet moving in the street.

There is a special treat in store for the petrol heads as the Muscle Cars conduct a drive-by and get the adrenalin going with some wheel-spins and other antics. Enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to get up close to these muscle bound classics as they line up in Church Street.

Our streets will be lined as usual with colourful stalls offering a mix of great street food, crafts and curiosities. And of course, olives will take centre stage with local producers showing off their wares with olive oil fresh from the press, accompanied by other delicious olive products. Olive guru Linda Costa will give some insight into the subtleties of oil tasting and preparation of table olives.

Historical and botanical walks and a visit to the Fransie Pienaar Museum are a must for visitors to get a fascinating insight into the history and traditions of Prince Albert. Pay a visit to some of our beautiful churches in the town and take a drive to Weltevrede Fig Farm for a picnic or stock up on fresh milk and cheese at Gay’s Dairy in town. Discover another side to Prince Albert on a guided tour of the art works of the intriguing Villa Kruger. Pop into our local art gallery and do not forget Prince Albert’s rich tradition of storytelling and stargazing.

Enjoy the hospitality and warmth of our guest houses. Savour delicious meals at our restaurants – from egte boerekos to haute cuisine – or watch the passing parade from a coffee shop stoep. Explore antique and collectables shops, find interesting gifts – mohair and wool product, both big and small, Karoo memorabilia and arts and crafts, exquisite linen and interior decorating materials and so much more!

Donkey cart rides for the kids and ghost walks for the curious all add to the great carnival atmosphere that has made the Prince Albert Town & Olive Festival such an eagerly anticipated event.

Here’s to another successful festival and let the games begin!