The 41st Knysna Oyster Festival kicked off on Friday 21 June 2024 with a hugely successful weekend of sports, live entertainment, food and wine, and community events. According to Lungiswa Goya, spokesperson for the festival, the organising committee is delighted with the success of the festival so far and the number of attendees.
“We had a fantastic weekend in Knysna,” said Goya. “The town was full and the vibe was great. The Forest Marathon had 6,500 entries and the weather played ball so it was not too cold and this unique event did not disappoint. The Festival Hub on the Knysna High School sports field was packed with runners and festival-goers on Saturday, many of whom watched the Springboks thrash Wales live in the Castle Lite tent. Afterwards they were entertained by Ard Matthews.
“The Fine Wine Festival on Saturday night at Simola, the Thesen Islands Oyster Fest Fair, the Miss Pearl Beauty Pageant and the Eden Classic Car Show in Sedgefield were all a huge success and we’ve had great feedback from both the organisers and attendees.
“We’re very happy about how the festival is going and looking forward to some great events this week as well as the Knysna Cycle Tour this coming weekend.”
Highlights of this week include the Oyster Roast event at the Festival Hub. Dubbed Oysters: Roasted, Dressed or Naked? the event will offer guests the opportunity to taste oysters naked or prepared in different delectable ways. The event includes the Oyster Shucking Competition in which shuckers will chase the world record of 38 oysters shucked in one minute, followed by some great comedy by Kurt Schoonraad.
Also at the Festival Hub, Oyster Alley is open daily with arts and crafts stalls, classes and workshops, food trucks and stalls. Entry to the Festival Hub on the Knysna High sports field is FREE, which gives festival-goers access to Oyster Alley, the inflatables and the Castel Lite Tent. However, tickets are required for events such as the Oyster Roast.
For all the information about these and other events visit www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za
