Thousands flock to Knysna for Pink Loerie festival

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The Knysna Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival came to a dazzling end with one of the biggest and most flamboyant parade's the event has seen.

Stilettos, feathers, over-the-top makeup and as much glitz as the participants could conjure up, took centre stage in the picturesque town's main street as hundreds of divas in drag showed off their spectacular outfits to curious onlookers.

Among the participants were Knysna executive mayor Georglene Wolmarans, Mr Gay World Andreas Derleth and Mr Gay SA Jason Lee Rogers.

Festival organiser Coenie Kukkuk said the parade was so well supported that it was actually brought to a standstill as there was no space for the procession to continue as festival goers blocked the street in an attempt to get a glimpse.

"It is difficult to estimate, but we believe between 25000 and 30000 people flocked to Knysna for the festival," said Kukkuk.

He added that although the flea market should have been running until today (Sunday), most of the food stalls had to pack up after the parade on Saturday as they ran out of stock.

Although the event, which included an arts festival and various other events, was mostly about letting one's hair down, funds were also raised for charity.

More than R20 000 was raised for the Loerie Hof Retirement home thanks to proceeds from the Queens of Wonderland Dravaganza show and a donation by a family (Nienabers) as well as official sponsor Globeflight.

"We would like to thank the Knysna municipality for its support. The mayor was even in the parade and judged our best dressed competition. She was at many of our events."

Kukkuk said he was already planning next year's event.