Great mix of old & new at 2024 SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees

Horse whisperer JC Schoeman is one of the new highlights of the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees

Wild horse action, an Izebo Boran auction, new specialist stalls and a refreshed Walk on the Wildside marquee are some of the new experiences awaiting visitors to the 2024 SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees.

Recognised as the Eastern Cape’s favourite family festival, it will include the proven mix of the giant ECPTA sound stage featuring over 24 national artists, more than 300 specialist stalls, and a selection of wine estates and artisan spirits brands, gourmet food outlets and expos of the latest in farming equipment, camping gear and new vehicles.

The annual Kirkwood Wildsfees Game Auction will be hosted at the Mayogi Bomas on Friday, June 28, starting at 12h00.

For the first time two black rhino bulls from SANParks will be on offer.

It will be followed by the first Boran Cattlemen’s auction, which will be held next to the festival grounds on the Saturday from 11h00.

The auction is being organised by local farmer Riaan van Rensburg.

“Every year we strive to bring a different experience to the Wildsfees, and in 2024 we expect one of the highlights to be a horse show with a difference,” says SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees director Jenni Honsbein.

“It is a mix of wild action barrel racing, trick riding and displays by the Sundays River Valley’s own horse whisperer, JC Schoeman, and fits in perfectly with the 2024 theme of ‘Let Ruk!’” she says.

The shows will be staged daily in the MTN Arena.

“We are also very excited about the refreshed Walk on the Wildside marquee experience which has been given a makeover by Mandy Roets”.

There is a strong conservation theme featuring the province’s rich marine, coastal and inland natural heritage.

At midday on Sunday there will be a special Wildsfees aerobatic show by local multi-time aerobatic champion Patrick Davidson.

Live entertainment on the giant ECPTA stage will be headlined by Karen Zoid and her orchestra and Bok van Blerk on Friday; Kurt Darren and local star Early B with Justin Vega on the Saturday night, and the biggest Sunday line-up which ends with Dozi, West and Ricus Nel.

For more information go the Wildsfees Facebook page or the website www.wildsfees.co.za.