Safety measures in place ahead of CoCT's annual Festive Lights Switch-On event

The City of Cape Town has put safety measures in place ahead of its flagship Festive Lights Switch-On event on Sunday.

PICTURE: CoCT

Award-winning Cassper Nyovest and Amapiano artist, Focalistict, will lead an exciting line-up of entertainers to perform in front of an anticipated 80 000 plus crowd on the Grand Parade.

The event will also include performances from rapper and social media influencer Ricky Vani Frontline, SAMA award-winning singer Matthew Mole, rock 'n roll Afrikaans band RAAF, Hanover Park's cultural singing troupe, the Tjommies, and local songbird, Whitney April among others.

With huge crowds expected to descend on the Grand Parade, Darling Street and Adderley Street to catch a glimpse of the performances as well as the beautiful lights, the City will be putting safety measures in place to protect all those in the event footprint.

MMC for Safety & Security, JP Smith, said its Safety and Security Directorate personnel including metro police, traffic services, law enforcement and disaster management volunteers will work closely with the South African Police Services as well as private security.

‘’The Festive Lights Switch-On is a family-friendly event that has been a staple of Cape Town's events calendar for the last 20 years. It's an occasion where residents, visitors, families and friends can get together to enjoy live music and be mesmerised by the glamour of the festive lights. Our responsibility is to ensure that measures are in place so that those who attend, can enjoy the festivities without any impediments. We implore the public to please abide by the rules and requirements. Our personnel on the ground will not hesitate to act against any antisocial behaviour,' said JP Smith, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

Smith said any weapons, alcohol, drugs and other illegal substances at the event, will not be tolerated.

‘’Patrons will be searched at all entrance chutes and festival attendees found in possession of any prohibited items will be turned away. Prohibited items include weapons, alcohol, drugs, glass, hookah pipes, fireworks, umbrellas and gazebos, gas spray cans or any other corrosive materials.’’

 

The City says it will partner with the KID SMART Project to provide a more sophisticated monitoring system to help reunite any lost children with their parents.

‘’Children will be kitted out with a temporary "SMART" bracelet on arrival at the event, with contact details of their parents.  This is not compulsory but parents and guardians are encouraged to make use of the services. A Lost and Found area will be located in the City Hall on Corporation Street.’’

There will be water points demarcated in the event footprint including four on the Grand Parade, one on Upper Adderley Street and one on Lower Adderley Street. The kiosks on the Grand Parade will also be trading on the day, serving food, snacks and soft drinks.

With the concert event scheduled to start at 16:00 and finish at 22:00, MyCiTi will have a late night service to Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain during the event, with the last departure at 23:15 from the Civic Centre station. Residents and visitors are advised that as a result of the event, there will be road closures for set up on Saturday 25 November 2023 and event day 26 November 2023.

 

Done By: Mitchum George