10TH Knysna Literary Festival a resounding success
A powerful Knysna Literary Festival entertained book lovers and critical thinkers alike this past weekend.
More than 12 authors and speakers descended on Knysna from Thursday onwards and some of the topics under the spotlight included current affairs, poaching, great food and wine, and Springbok rugby.
Festival founder and sponsor Ling Dobson from Pam Golding Properties Knysna & Plett, described the three days as the “most wonderful journey of emotions for South Africans, understanding and respecting where we are at the moment in our country, what is motivating us, what is exciting and what makes us South Africa.”
Dobson said almost all the events on the programme were sold out. “Our aim was to have a diverse programme that offers something for everyone and the ticket sales showed that we succeeded. We had 1600 people attending 10 events over the three days, which we are very happy with. We were also fortunate to have two “sneak peeks” of books that literally just hit the shelves. Adam Habib’s book, Rebels and Rage, about the recent student protests, will certainly ruffle some feathers when it is launched this week in South Africa. The other was ‘Mile 8’ from acclaimed SA Chef David Higgs. Higgs described the Chef’s Playdate #2.0 event with the team of île de pain on Friday evening as a ‘soft launch’ for his book, and the 8-course menu on the evening was inspired by the 8 chapters of the book.”
The panel discussions during the Festival are renowned for their straight talk and debate on current issues, and the lively conversations certainly met the expectations of audiences. Dobson said the discussion this year was once again thought-provoking and informative. “We had some lively debates with the likes of JJ Tabane, Eric Naki, General Bantu Holomisa, Adam Habib, Ralph Mathekga, Chris Holdsworth and Bonang Mohale.“
The festival Signature event ‘The Delicious Word Journey’ was a story of 3 venues, 2 taxis, 4 authors and a progressive dinner this year. Held at the prestigious Simola Country Club & Golf Estate, attendees were divided into three groups and whisked to two exquisite houses and the magical River Club. In true progressive dinner style, they would be served a course of their three-course meal, have the opportunity to listen and interact with the author based at the specific venue, before they moved on to the next venue. Authors that participated were JJ Tabane, Emma Sadleir, Sihle Khumalo, and Bonang Mohale.
Dobson said they received great feedback from attendees both local and from out of town. “It certainly has become a highlight on the Knysna calendar and we want to thank the Knysna residents who support us every year.”