Heritage Festival this weekend

THE Fort Nongqayi Museum Village will come alive this weekend as the museum celebrates International Museum Day with a half day programme on Saturday and a full day of activities on Sunday and the bonus is that entry is free.

Crafters, food stall holders and performers will keep visitors entertained.

The programme kicks off on the Saturday, 17 May from 10am to noon with John Wesley pupils journeying through time in an in-depth museum experience reliving an episode among the missionaries, over 150 years ago.

The Historic Homes Supper starts at the Adam’s Outpost Restaurant at 6pm with guests eating their way through various historic places in eShowe before returning to the restaurant for the main course.

Booking on 035 4741787 is essential as there are only 80 tickets available.

The Saturday programme offers two fun runs with trophies designed by international potter, Clive Sithole for the winners.

The 5km and 10km events start at 8.30am and 9am respectively with an entry fee of R10 for children and R30 for adults.

Day activities

Included among the crafters is the internationally famous basket weaver Angeline Masuku and bead worker Doris Mwelase and artists Dumisani Mthethwa and Brian Mkhize who will complete a life-size cement rhino statue.

The statue will form part of the museum’s permanent collection thanks to sponsorship from the Natal Arts Trust.

eShowe-born artist, Bongi Bengu will open an exhibition of her work at the Beautiful Things Gallery at noon.

Children

The children will not be neglected and they will be able to enjoy the popular fossil hunt and scratch patch.

Craft instructor, Sandile Manqele will be on hand to help little fingers and Andile Zulu will be organising fun races and tug-of-war.

There will be plenty of food and refreshments offering delectables of the Adam’s Outpost Restaurant to take-aways, Indian food, Zulu food and a spaza shop selling sweets, crisps and cold drinks.

The Adam’s Outpost bar will be open and Zululand Breweries will offer their Chelmsford Porter, Jantoni and Ultimatum, specially brewed for the festival.

Musical entertainment

The auditorium programme starts at 10am with Zululand’s David Jenkins, Dave Starke, the Starlight Band and The Reflections featuring teenage vocal group The Hots from Entumeni.

Poets, story tellers, actors, choirs and dancers will showcase their talent throughout the day.

Master of ceremonies, Pierri Rossouw will hand over the microphone to guest MC, Nomkhelemane Langa of 1KZN TV at lunch time.

Local people who have excelled at national or international level will be present as guests and they will be identified by sashes.

A sangoma, a sorghum beer making demonstration and tasting, stick fighting amongst others will all make it an exceptional day out with fun for everyone, irrespective of age or interests.