Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival a huge success
Following the success of the 14th Globeflight Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival held in Knysna earlier this month, Knysna Tourism has announced that Knysna is being considered as the host venue for the 2015 Mr Gay World event.
Marketing manager of Knysna Tourism, Johan van Schalkwyk said that if the application is approved Knysna will host a five day international event which will bring a huge media contingent to the town at the same time as the 15th Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival.
“The positive spinoff for Knysna will be more international tourists, an even greater spend in the town during this period, and fantastic international exposure for Knysna.”
Van Schalkwyk said that this year’s Pink Loerie was a stunning event which went off without incident.
“We were delighted to host another successful festival. The parade was spectacular, the arts festival was well supported. Accommodation establishments and shops report excellent turnovers and local restaurants were fully booked. Knysna Tourism extended its operating hours to cope with the influx of some 30 000 visitors.”
Head of the Pink Loerie coordinating committee John O’Neil, said that the festival was the best ever. He thanked all sponsors, especially headline sponsor Globeflight, and Namaqua Wines SA and Barefoot Wines.
“We are also grateful to all the support we received from the Knysna Mayor, Councillor Georlene Wolmarans, the Knysna Municipality, Knysna Tourism, the Knysna Traffic Department, SAPS, Western Cape Metro EMS, as well as local businesses, accommodation sponsors, prize sponsors and the entire Knysna community.”
O’Neil confirmed that R21 000 was raised at the VIP Dinner and Fundraising Auction, most of which will be distributed to local charities, The Mayor’s Social Relief Fund, Loerie Hof Retirement Home and Knysna Animal Welfare. Further funds for these charities were collected during the parade and at the Queens of Funky Town Charity Show.
“We are looking forward to an even better Pink Loerie Festival next year,” said O’Neil, “with the dates confirmed as 29 April to 3 May 2015.”
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