Mark Wessels
The National Arts Festival said despite tough economic times, the 2023 event, which ended on Sunday, was better than expected and busier than last year.
Festival CEO, Monica Newton said it was the first one that was staged live post-Covid, and that the low levels of load shedding meant that they did not have to constantly rely on expensive backup generators.
"We definitely saw an increase in visitors to this Festival. While we have not counted physical bodies arriving in Makhanda, ticket sales are up over 50% on last year,” she said in a statement on Thursday.
Newton said they were also “very pleased with not only good ticket sales, especially for Fringe artists but also with the truly positive feedback and warm reception we received from audiences this year."
“The exceptionally cold and wet opening days of the Festival put a damper on the Village Green and Church Square markets in the first few days of the Festival but trade recovered as the sun came out and 53 000 visitors enjoyed some sunshine and shopping.”
Newton said the weather did not keep audiences out of theatres, however, with many shows selling out.
Newton said they would now focus on the 2024 edition of the National Arts Festival and a celebration of its 50th year.
"It is a rare privilege for an arts institution in South Africa to mark 50 years," she said.
The 2024 National Arts Festival will take place from 20-30 June 2024.
