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Autumn on the Garden Route is about to receive good dash of colour as one of the biggest gay pride festivals in Africa hits the streets of Knysna next month.
The Globeflight Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival, now in its 14th year, not only aims to create awareness about gay and lesbian issues, but is also a welcome economic boost for Knysna.
The picturesque town relies heavily on tourism for survival and May is considered a quiet month on the visitor front.
Last year the festival attracted between 25 000 to 30 000 visitors over the five-day event and raised more than R20 000 for local charities including the Lorie Hof Retirement home.
Although the programme for the festival, which is set to run from April 30 to May 4, is still under wraps organisers have just announced the theme and let a few highlights slip.
Festival spokesman Lance Weyer said the theme this year was Funky Town so festival goers can expect anything from over the top colourful costumes, afros and disco balls as participants embrace the disco era.
Weyer said Mr Gay World 2013, Christopher Olwage - all the way from New Zealand - would also make a special appearance at the event. Other highlights include performances by Boylesque - a tongue-in-cheek variety show which pays tribute to the 1930s and 40s American-style burlesque comedy and striptease performances. The show however has a distinct South African flavour and includes among other performances comedy, singing, ballet, drag and Zulu.
One of the biggest highlights on the programme each year is the street parade, which last year brought the town to a standstill as curious onlookers blocked the streets to get a glimpse of participants in flamboyant outfits strutting their stuff down the town's main street.
Weyer said the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras was started by local businessmen to assist the town by attracting tourists during the "slow month of May" and to create awareness and to foster an understanding about gay and lesbian issues.
"The Pink Loerie goes beyond the normal pride concept. It is a celebration of life, a carnival - and a carnival with a purpose. Form the beginning the organisers have strived to incorporate all residents and visitors in the town regardless of their sexuality, thus celebrating the rich diversity of the area and South Africa in general. The organisers work closely with the municipality and local tourism body to see that this happens," Weyer said.
The festival is not only about partying, but there are also a variety of cultural activities including an arts exhibition and shows by top South African performers.
