FANTASTIC Free concert in Newtown – New Years
As part of improving the quality of lives of its citizens, and ensuring a safe and happy new year, the City of Johannesburg, annually hosts a carnival parade through the streets of the inner city. This parade culminates in a huge party on the Mary Fitzgerald Square. Once you’ve enjoyed the pulse of Joburg’s own Rio Carnival, join us for a world class African party. The celebrations begin at 6pm on New Year’s Eve and goes on until 2am on 1 January 2009.
Experience the city at its best: the sounds of South Africa’s finest against the inspiring backdrop of our truly world African class city.2008 will end on a high note as Newtown, Johannesburg’s cultural hotspot, readies itself for the last big-bash concert of the year. Hosted by the City of Johannesburg and SABC 2, the “New Year’s in Newtown” concert at the Mary Fitzgerald Square continues the tradition of ringing in the year with a bang.
More than 30 000 party goers are expected to attend the New Year’s party, which includes a massive stage for live performers. The concert is free of charge, courtesy of the City of Johannesburg and SABC 2. on December 31st.
The evening will be an explosion of sights and sounds, as the City welcomes in 2009 to the beat of Joburg’s top performers and the skyline lights up with the sparkle of an electrifying fireworks display. The concert brings together some of the South African music industry’s greatest talents.
Expect to see: Freshlyground, KB, Gang of Instrumentals, Wonderboom, MXO, Bleksem, Howza, Fikile Mlomo, DJ Zan D, and DJ Zee.
If you are not able to actually be there you can experience the party in the comfort of your own home on the television. The event will be telecast live by SABC 2. Feel connected to your fellow South Africans and welcome in the new year as you watch the party and enjoy the sounds of really fine South African music.
No alcohol or weapons will be allowed into the venue. However there will be a beer garden for those who’d like to welcome the New Year with a toast. The law enforcement agencies and Emergency Management Services will be present to maintain law and order, and attend to all emergencies on the night.
For the artists too, this is a night of fun, a moment to relax and let the worries of the year wash away, and the excitement for a New Year bubble.
Freshlyground shared their enthusiasm for the party by saying: “This is the first year we will start in JHB! We are super excited to do this concert, it has been a dream for many years. The line up is great and we are preparing some new exciting stuff for the audience that will be there and those who will watch it on TV. See you all soon!”
KB’s manager echoed this, saying it was “exciting to be a part of a broadcast that goes to all South Africans. Its is exciting that in the new year we will be hosting people [as they welcome the new year] , [it’s] a historic moment.”
Photo courtesy of Mister E on Flickr Creative Commons By licence.
