Fun for all at Whale Festival
he 28th Hermanus Whale Festival returns to town from 27 – 29 September, celebrating the annual return of the southern right whales to our coastal waters and providing an opportunity for all communities to come together and support the many local conservation initiatives.
All events and activities during the Whale Festival are focused on creating awareness on how to protect the environment, the whales and other marine life.
From Friday to Sunday, Hermanus will be bursting at the seams as thousands of visitors descend upon the town to join in the festivities. While the whales are the star performers at the festival, these gentle giants will be joined on land by quality entertainers and musicians, an array of food stalls, children’s activities and events suitable for young and old. Good Hope FM will be there, too, broadcasting live for three days at the festival.
ECO-MARINE FESTIVAL
The heartbeat of the Whale Festival, the Eco-Marine Tent, has become the festival’s biggest attraction. With its wide range of marine-related environmental exhibitions, the aim of the Eco Marine Tent is to inspire and entertain visitors through informative, colourful, interactive displays, films and interesting talks by marine biologists and experts. There will also be a kiddies’ educational area with activities specifically geared for children.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FIESTA
This year’s programme will once again include land and boat-based whale watching, the jovial street parade on Saturday morning, arts and crafts markets, an orchid show, and music performances in the Coke Live Music Marquee and the Old Harbour Music Arena, where various local artists will be performing live. For children there will be amusement rides on Market Square, a kiddies’ movie house at the Whale Museum, a beach cleanup in the Old Harbour and on the Cliff Path, and the very popular Pirate & Mermaid Treasure Hunt, which is extended over two days and will once again have lots of giveaway prizes.
SIGHTSEEING WITH CHILL GURU
The Chill Guru bus will be operating a hop-on-hop-off round trip during the festival, leaving every hour on the hour. Why not join them and soak up the town like a tourist while enjoying the beautiful scenery? The sightseeing bus follows a circular route that starts and ends at the Waterfront, with stops at Fernkloof and Grotto. Thus, a hop-off at either Fernkloof or Grotto means a pick-up one hour later. The cost is only R80 per adult and R40 per child U12.
Find the full programme at hermanuswhalefestival.co.za