Events This Week 27 May - 2 June

As Winter announces its arrival in the Western Cape, here are events to warm you up for this week...

Panic by Siv Ngesi will start its run from tonight through until 8 June at the Artscape, tickets are available through Computicket and Dial-a-seat.

The Big Band Jazz Festival is taking place at The Baxter Theatre from 29 May till 1 June, the monies raised by the festival will be going to good causes, tickets available through Computicket.

At the CTICC, The Sign Africa & Africa Print Roadshow is taking place on 29 and 30 May, entrance is free.

From 31 May to 2 June, the Greyton Genadendal Classics for All Festival is taking place in the charming Overberg towns of  Greyton and Genadendal, various events have been planned for the festival including concerts, poetry recitals as well as wine tastings and food to name but a few. At the same time in the Klein Karoo town of Ladismith, the Ladismith "Lekka" weekend is taking place, performances by well-known musicians have been planned as well as food stalls and an equestrian show. Also during this time in, Prince Alfred's Hamlet, near Ceres, is hosting the Karoo Cultural Festival, where old traditions and Karoo culture are to be highlighted.  

On 31 May at the Grand Arena at Grand West, US band, Chevelle will performing, tickets available through Computicket and The Kyle Shepherd Trio will be performing on 31 May and 1 June at the Mahogany Room, reservations can be done through the club. 

The Ballroom Bands Festival is taking place at the Grand Arena at Grand West on 1 June, put on those dancing shoes and waltz the night away. 

Hartenberg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is hosting its Shiraz and Charcuterie Festival, the finest Syrahs from leading cellars will be paired with meaty delights sure to tantalize the taste buds on 1 June.

Being the 1st Saturday of the month of June, both the Riebeek West Funky Fresh Market as well as the Caledon Millstone Market are taking place and are sure to provide an array of delectable eats and goodies.

1 June is World Environment Day, in honour of this, Fish Hoek Yacht Club will be taking part in the world-wide Paddle for the Planet Initiative, see link for more information.

The Karoo Game Auction is taking place on 1 June as well as the Karoo Outdoor Festival near Beaufort West, see links for more info.

On 1-2 June, the Accessories Fair will be on at the Market on the Wharf at the V&A Waterfront, the Soup, Sip and Bread Winter Feast will be taking place in the Durbanville Wine Valley and the 1st Winter Trail Run will be taking place at Delvera Farm in Stellenbosch. 

On 2 June, the Kenilworth Race Course will host  Day 2 of the Winter Racing Series, kids entertainment as well as stalls will be available through the day.

For these and other events please see our events calendar.

Events 13-19 May

Wesgro's stand at Indaba 2013 has been awarded gold, well done and congratulations to the team! If you are in Durban, be sure to check it out at the Durban ICC until tomorrow. Visit the Cape Town Western Cape Facebook page for pics...

African Utility Week is taking place at the CTICC from 13-16 May, the event is aimed at Africa's power and water industries. The Clean Power Africa expo is running alongside this event on the 14th and 15th, also at the CTICC.

The comedy Twitch is starting its run at the Theatre on the Bay 15 May until 1 June.

The Table Bay Hotel is playing host the 2013 Marketing Indaba on 15 and 16 May. The Sales Summit will run alongside the event on the eve on the 15th at the Table Bay as well.

Wesgro's EDP programme is hosting a seminar specifically focused on agri-processing and the beverages industry and its prospects in the Russian market. The seminar will take place at the Wesgro offices, Doega Boardroom on the 15th of May.

From 16 to 18 May, legendary South African rockers Arno Carstens and Francois Van Coke are performing at the Boer in Durbanville.

Agulhas National Park is hosting a Southern Tip Day Talk and Meal at Suiderlig Dienssentrum in Struisbaai on Friday 17 May at 7pm.

The 2013 Student Expo is taking place at the CTICC on 17 and 18 May, the perfect platform for students to engage with prospective employers.

Wellington Stasie Fees, a festival in celebration of the Wellington Station's 150 year heritage is taking place on 17 and 18 May with lots of entertainment and eats scheduled.

The Franschhoek Literary Festival is taking place 17-19 May for a weekend filled with readers, writers, booksellers and publishers. At the same time, the 2nd weekend of the Greenpop Reforest Fest is taking place at Platbos Forest in the Overberg.

On 18 May, the 5 for Change Charity fundraiser is taking place at City Hall. The black tie affair is set to be an evening of fun with performances by Goldfish and The Rudimentals.

International Museum Day is on the 19th of May, in celebration, Iziko museums is granting free entrance to all Iziko museums, including the Planterium and Castle of Good Hope.

British celebrity chef, Eric Lanlard, is launching his new book "Chocolat" along with a book signing at Simonsig Wine Estate, ahead  of his appearance at the Good Food and Wine Show next week.

For these and more events please visit our events calender.

If you have anything to add please feel free to comment below.

Events 7 – 12 May

Apologies, due to technical difficulties there have not been any posts over the past week.

National Archives Week is currently taking place until Friday. Scheduled activities include guided tours, presentations about the functions of the Archives Service, workshops and exhibitions and are conducted at the Western Cape Archives and Records Service.

APAS Fair, the largest Supermarket Fair in Latin America is taking place in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Our very own Wesgro representative has taken 10 companies along to the fair in order to create business opportunities. For more information on the services Wesgro provides please visit the website.

The Africa Investor CEO Infrastructure Investment Summitis taking place at the Table Bay Hotel today. See link for more information.

The WIE Africa Symposiumis taking place at the Lookout, V&A Waterfront until tomorrow. WIE Africa aims to showcase successful African Women.

This week is a busy one for Cape Town Stadium… tonight legendary rock band Bon Jovi will be performing and tomorrow evening, teen sensation, Justin Bieber will be serenading the city.

The CTICC is hosting the World Economic Forum on Africa 2013 from 8-10 May. WEF Africa aims to provide a platform to address the continents economic growth and development.

On Wednesday evening, Harvey’s at the Winchester Mansions Hotel will be hosting a Grapes, Gourmet and Gallery Evening showcasing wines from Muratie Wines and art from Ann Nosworthy.

Fine Brandy Fusion, SA’s premier brandy expo will be taking place on 9 and 10 May at the CTICC. The event is set to launch the new Urban Brandy Cocktail Route, which “takes the visitor from Clifton to the CBD in style.”

From 10 – 12 May, Wild Clover in Stellenbosch is hosting the Wild Clover’s Hops Harvest Festival, the festival’s focus will be on beer tastings and speciality brews. At the same time, at Platbos Forest in the Overberg, Greenpop is hosting the Reforest Fest. The aim of the festival is to protect and grow the ancient Platbos forest which houses trees that are over 1000 years old.

Red Stone Mountain Bike & Trail Running Family Weekend is taking place on 10 and 11 May is the Klein Karoo town of Calitzdorp. There will be lots to do for runners/bikers and spectators alike.

The Tourism Indaba will be taking place from Saturday 11 May until Tuesday 14 May, at the Durban ICC. The Wesgro marketing team will be hosting a stand at the event showcasing Cape Town and the Western Cape.

On 11 and 12 May, the Nuy Valley Feast will be taking place in Worcester, sporting as well as entertainment events have been planned as part of the festivities. The Organik Love Project, a psytrance festival, will also be taking place at the same time at Utopia Farm, near Caledon. 

On Saturday, 11 May, the annual Ceres Chrysanthemum Show is taking place in the charming Winleands town. Robertson is playing host to the Willow Creek/ Computer Mania MTB Challenge at Willow Creek Estate and Hermanus is hosting Wheels & Runners, a race that includes both people with disabilities in wheelchairs and able-bodied athletes. 

Sunday, 12 May is Mother’s Day, the Vineyard Hotel and Spa is hosting Delightful Deliciousness for Mums, a three course lunch in honour of mothers. 

Jive will be hosting the Slave Route Challenge on Sunday 12 May, the marathon is the first of its kind to take participants through the historical sites of Cape Town.

For these and other events please visit our Events Calender.

Events this week 29 April – 5 May

Song and Dance begins on 1 May at the Kalk Bay Theatre and will run until 9 May.

The annual Cederberg Arts Festival will take place from 1 – 5 May in the West Coast town of Clanwilliam.

In the Garden Route the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival will be taking place from 1 – 5 May in Knsyna.

Afrikaburn, South Africa’s answer to the Burning Man Festival, is taking place at Tankwa Karoo National Park from 1 – 6 May.

Khwa Ttu, in Yzerfontein, is hosting Encounters with the Foster Brothers on 1 May.

Villiera Wines in Stellenbosch is hosting a fun run/walk in aid of charity on Wednesday, 1 May, the Miles For Smiles Fun Run.

The Safari Half Marathon is taking place in the Winelands town of Wellington on Wednesday, 1 May.

The ballet performance of Camille will be running at the Artscape Opera House from 2 – 12 May.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is hosting a Collection Yoga Retreat with YogaSpirit & Kate Ball over the weekend, from 3-5 May.

Hip Hop Explosion will be bringing the Zula Sound Bar alive on Friday, May 3.

The Woodmill Market in Stellenbosch plays host to the Barista Coffee Festival on Friday, May 3.

Peaches and Herb will be performing at the Grand Arena, Grand West on Saturday, May 4.

Riebeek Valley, in the West Coast, will be hosting its annual Olive Festival this weekend, 4 - 5 May. 

On Saturday, 4 May, the Knysna Motor Show will take place at the Knysna High School Field.

The Klein Karoo town of De Rust will host the De Rust Boeremark on Saturday, 4 May, the same day that the monthly Riebeek West Funky Fresh Market happens.

Also on May 4, in the Overberg, Elgin will play host to the first Elgin Cool Wine & Country Festival.

There are multitudes of mountain biking events this week; on Wednesday, 1 May, the All-Mountain Enduro is taking place at Delvera Farm in Stellenbosch. The Tru Cape MTB event will be taking place at Elgin/Grabouw Country Club on Saturday, 4 May. High School Langenhoven in Riversdale will play host to the Hessequa MTB Challenge on Saturday, 4 May. From 4 – 5 May, the Houw Hoek Tour will take place at Houw Hoek Inn, Elgin.

For more information on any event please visit the link or our calendar.

Freedom Day and Other Things to Do This Weekend…

On Saturday, April 27, South Africans will be celebrating Freedom Day.  Freedom Day is the celebration of one of the defining moments in the history of our beautiful country and has helped catapult us to being the powerhouse of Africa. On this day, almost two decades ago, 19.7 million South Africans queued up at voting stations and made their mark on history; it is the anniversary of the First Democratic Elections held in 1994. 

We have compiled a list of things to do on this Freedom Day (and the rest of the weekend…)

Decorex is at the CTICC will be enthralling visitors to the expo with its design and décor innovations until Sunday. The annual expo is showcasing the latest design and décor reaffirming why Cape Town is the World Design Capital 2014. Tickets available at the door ranging between R10 and R70.

Space Ibiza will be at the Shimmy Beach Club tonight, tickets range between R280-R500 available through Computicket.

The charming Karoo town of Prince Albert is celebrating its 20th annual Olive festival from today through to Sunday. Click the link for a schedule of the festivities planned.

The Utopia Festival will be lighting up Nekkies Resort & Camping site between Worcester and Rawsonville from today until Sunday. This three day music festival promises “an eclectic mix of house, rock, techno and live shows with incredible cutting edge design and décor”. Tickets are available through Webtickets and range between R380 for a weekend pass and R70 for one day.

Sandringham, near Stellenbosch, is plays host to the SA Cheese Festival starting today until Sunday. Over 400 cheeses will be showcased for festival goers, as well as entertainment. Tickets are R115 and available through Computicket, hurry as tickets are selling out fast.

The Vintage Ideas Market is taking place at Simondium Country Lodge from today until Sunday. An incredible vintage shopping experience, set in a Great Gatsby themed venue is promised.

80s Music sensation, Jennifer Rush will be performing at the CTICC tonight and tomorrow evening. Tickets are available through Computicket and cost between R550 and R640.

On Saturday there are a host of trail running and mountain biking events happening in Cape Town and the Western Cape; Boterberg Farm in Philadelphia, near Malmesbury, is hosting the Philadelphia 150 Wine Route MTB Race in celebration of the 150 year establishment of the town. Avalon Springs Hotel in Montagu is hosting Montagu Mountain Mania, a two day MTB and trail running event. Arabella Hotel and Spa near Hermanus is hosting the Arabella Challenge a two day MTB and trail running experience through the Arabella Country Estate. 

Rocking for Cancer is taking place at the Montreal on Loop Club in Cape Town on Saturday evening. The event is in aid of St Luke’s Hospice, tickets cost between R30 and R80.

SA Forest Adventures will be hosting the Good Hope FM Adventure Race in the Overberg Region on Saturday. The event will start in Stanford and includes the towns of Hermanus, Stanford, Caledon, Botrivier, Kleinmond and Betties bay. See the link for more information, 1st prize R15 000 is up for grabs.

Maphindi's Restaurant in Nyanga is hosting Maphindis Freedom Day Experience in association with Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa on Saturday. The day will start with packing and providing meals for 6000 people.  There is a  traditional Tshisanyama (township grill house) lunch afterwards. Tickets are R120 for a good cause.

Spier Hotel near Stellenbosch will be hosting a 12 course tasting menu and talk on Saturday, hosted by renowned anthropologist, chef and cookbook author Dr Anna Trapido based on her book Hunger for Freedom. The theme of the evening ‘food in the life of Nelson Mandela’ is a gastro-political journey through the stages of Nelson Mandela’s life, tickets are R320.

The town of Simon’s Town will be hosting festivities in aid of endangered penguins as participants that have returned from the Annual Penguin Waddle are welcomed on Saturday.  

The participants in the Winelands Charity Walk will be welcomed at Simon's Restaurant at Groot Constantia where drink and snacks will be served in celebration of their achievement.

The Boland and Joubert- Tradauw Kelders will be hosting Unplugged Route 62- The Finest Blues Concert on Saturday. Tickets are R280 and include an al fresco lunch, glass of wine and the concert.

The City Hall in Cape Town will host City Hall Sessions Freedom Day Concert on Saturday at 8pm. Click the link for more info.

The FamFest presented by 4Leaf will be taking place at the Claremont Cricket Club Fields in Constantia on Saturday. Bring the family along and enjoy Freedom Day with entertainment for young and old.

The weekend is set to enthrall the young and the young-at-heart with activities to tickle anyone’s fancy. Happy Freedom Day to everyone.

Earth Day and Events 22 - 28 April

Today, April 22, is International Earth Day. Every year on April 22, more than one billion people take part in Earth Day. Across the globe, individuals, communities, organizations, and governments acknowledge the amazing planet we call home and take action to protect it.

The theme this year is Earth Day 2013: The Face of Climate Change.More than one billion people around the world will take part in the 43rd anniversary of Earth Day. From Beijing to Cairo, Melbourne to London, Rio to Johannesburg, New Delhi to New York, communities everywhere will voice their concerns for the planet, and take action to protect it. We’ll harness that power to show the world The Face of Climate Change. And we’ll call on our leaders to act boldly together, as we have, in this pivotal year.

An interactive digital display of all the images will be shown at thousands of events around the world, including next to federal government buildings in countries that produce the most carbon pollution. The display will also be made available online to anyone who wants to view or show it. (www.earthday.org)

In Cape Town, Green Pop will be celebrating Earth Day with a tree planting ceremony at Harmony Primary School, Steenberg from 9:30am - 1:30pm.

_______________________________________

This week has business, rock metal gods, penguins, decor, cheese, olives and a party to keep anyone's interest peeked...

From today through to Thursday, Wesgro is undertaking a road show to Zambia with a focus on agri-business.

Today and tomorrow, the CTICC is playing host to the Africa Urban Infrastructure Summit, for more information click the link.

There will be two charity walking events this week, from today through till Saturday. The first is the Winelands Charity Walk; 3 men will start in Tulbagh and walk through the Winelands until they reach Stellenbosch on Friday, thereafter they will do a short walk on Saturday from Steenberg to Groot Constantia, where they will celebrate their achievement in aid of the Anna Foundation.

The second is the 3rd Annual Penguin Promises Waddle, a group of conservationists and representatives from the African Animal Keepers Association will walk every day from Gansbaai in the Cape Overberg and reach the Boulders Beach penguin colony in Simon’s Town just after 12 noon on Saturday 27 April. The aim is to raise awareness about the endangered African penguin. On Saturday there are festivities planned at Jubilee Square in Simons Town from 10am.

On Wednesday and Thursday evening, rock metal lovers are in for a treat as Metallica are performing at the Bellville Velodrome. Originally scheduled for the 24th at the Cape Town Stadium, the venue changed in order for fans to enjoy Metallica in a dynamic indoor live music setting instead.

Decorex is back at the CTICC from Thursday until Sunday. The interior decorating extravaganza is set to wow Capetonians once again with design trends, demos and workshops.

This weekend, Prince Albert in the Karoo is the place to be for the 20th annual Prince Albert Olive Festival. From 26-28 April the rural little town in the Central Karoo welcomes tourists with their renowned hospitality  to experience the town and all it has to offer as well as olives of course!

Sandringham farm near Stellenbosch is set to host the South African Cheese Festival from Friday until Sunday.

Nekkies Resort and Camping Site between Rawsonville and Worcester is the venue for the Utopia Festival from 26-28 April. A music festival that will include the likes of Karen Zoid, Fokofpolisiekar and Desmond & The Tutus to name a few.

On Saturday, April 27, join Boland Kelder and Joubert Tradauw en Kelder for Unplugged Route 62- The Finest Blues Concert .

April 27 is also the day South Africans will be celebrating Freedom Day which is a commemoration of the day the first post apartheid elections were held in South Africa in 1994.

Out and About This Weekend

Whether you're a foodie, consider yourself a wine connoisseur, got green fingers or appreciate fine music, there is something on the cards for everyone this weekend... 

The ProNutro AfricanX Trailrun is taking place from today until Sunday at the Houw Hoek Inn, Elgin, put on those running shoes and enjoy the beauty of the Elgin Valley in the Cape Overberg.

The extreme endurance mountain bike challenge that is the 36 One MTB Challenge is taking place at Kleinplaas Holiday resort in Oudtshoorn from today until Sunday.

Today , through till Sunday, if you enjoy good food and wine, get down to the Constantia Uitsig and enjoy the Constantia Food and Wine Festival. Over 40 of the finest wines and delicious food from award winning restaurants will be on offer.

Michael McIntyre, reknowned comedic from the UK will have you in stitches from laughter at the Grand Arena at Grand West tonight for the final of his two performances in Cape Town.

The 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships are taking place at the Ice Station at Grand West since Monday. Go support our national team tonight at 8pm as they take on Greece and on Sunday at 8pm as they take on North Korea.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Langabaan Lagoon Celebration will be showcasing all that there is to do and see in Langebaan. Many fun activities have been planned in and around the lagoon, so for some West Coast hospitality and fun get yourself down there.

Bot River Barrels and Beards is taking place on Saturday at Anybos, Botriver in the Cape Overberg. Every winemaker from the valley stops shaving at the end of February and is judged on the day by the panel of judges as to length, character and whatever criteria that is thought up by this esteemed body of men and women.

The West Coast Marathon is taking place on Saturday in Langebaan, while you there why not visit the Langebaan Lagoon Celebration...

Val De Vie Estate in Paarl will be hosting the Infiniti 4 Nations Invitational Polo Classic Final on Saturday, set to be a posh affair, food and wine will be available.

La Motte Wine Estate in the Franschhoek Valley is hosting Classical Concert on Saturday at 7pm. Admission is R170 and features Gaylen-Rose Sales (harp) and Brigit Rennie-Salonen (flute).

The world-renowned conductor Richard Bonynge will conduct a concert performances of Donizetti`s Lucia di Lammermoor featuring top opera stars and singers from Cape Town Opera and the Voice of the Nation Choir on Saturday at 8pm at the Artscape Opera House. Tickets available through Computicket and cost R420.

This is an ABSA Premiership soccer match between Ajax Cape Town and Bidvest Wits will take place at . Athlone Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is at 8pm and tickets cost between R40-R60.

Talking Heads is taking place at Iziko Museum, the Whale Well on Saturday at 7pm. Engage with experts from different disciplines in a genius mix of musical chairs and speed dating for the brain, guests are invited to move from table to table engaging in four intimate 20-minute conversations. Tickets available through Computicket at R100.

The Make Believe Train Party to Glencairn Hotel is taking place on Saturday from 12pm. Tickets are available from Quicket.co.za and cost R158.90.

On Saturday and Sunday the 38th Annual Kirstenbosch Garden Fair and Indigenous Plant Sale is taking place at the Stone Cottages opposite the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens from 9am-4pm, entrance costs R5.

On Sunday Solms Delta Wine estate in the Franschhoek valley is hosting the Delta Trap MTB Race and the Winemakers MTB Challenge, see the links for more information.

Earth Day is on Monday 22 April, to commemorate this Greenpop is hosting a series of events, on Sunday at 3pm is Cape Town Earth Cycle (meet at Greenmarket Square outside the Methodist Church – look out for the Greenpop Team in green capes). Cycle, skate, rollerblade (or whatever wheely petrol-free device you’d like) a cool city route all the way to the Yoga for Trees session that happens at 5pm.

On Monday 9.30am to 1.30pm – Tree Planting Day with Harmony Primary School.

Out In Africa Film Festival

The Out in Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival kicked off last week and will be running through until Sunday 21 April at Nu Metro Cinemas at the V&A Waterfront.

The line up for the festival includes international award-winning films, features and  documentaries covering topics such as popular revolution, ballet, romance, drama, and an insightful look at a clash of cultures.

The festival opened with the 2 SA shorts, Kinsey & Nosiphokazi's story and the doccie Bros B4 Hos.

How To Survive A Plague, directed by David France, an Oscar 2013 nominee for Best Documentary. IFP Gotham Awards – Best Documentary and Boston Film Critics Awards – Best Documentary.

Zenne Dancer, directed by M. Caner Alper & Mehmet Binay, 2011 Antalya FF Golden Orange – Best Cinematographer / Best First Film / Best Supporting Actor & Actress, 2011 Turkish Film Critics Association Award – Best Film and 2012 Nuremberg Film Festival – Öngören Prize awarded to the Directors. Caner Alper & Mehmet Binay will be attending the Film Fest for the Saturday 20th screening.   

Tomboy, directed by Céline Sciamma, 2011 Berlinale Teddy Award winner, 2011 Odessa IFF – Golden Duke, 2011 San Francisco Frameline G&LFF – Audience Award, 2011 Philadelphia QFest L&GFF – Best Feature and 2011 NewFest – Jury award for Best Performance - Zoé Héran as Laure / Mickäel, 

Chloe Likes Olivia , directed by Mette Kjærgaard, cCourtesy of the Danish Film Institute, Mette Kjærgaard and writer Jenny Lund Madsen will present their short film.   Watch the website for details of the filmmaking workshop they will be running in Cape Town.  

Swan Lake 3D, directed by Ross MacGibbon and Matthew Bourne. Bourne’s gender-bending version of the Russian classic has been round the world 4 times, and garnered 30 international theatre awards, including a Tony.

Four, directed by Joshua Sanchez, winner of the 2003 HBO Films Young Producer’s Development Award. 2012 Urbanworld FF - Best Narrative Feature, 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival – Ensemble Acting Award and Jerome Foundation’s Film and Video grant.

Beyond The Walls,  Hor Les Murs, directed by David Lambert, selected for the 2012 Cannes Critic’s Week. 2012 - 65th Cannes Film Festival International Critics Week - Grand Golden Rail Award (Grand Rail d'Or) - Best Feature and 2012 Paris Lesbian Film Festival - People’s Award – Best Performance, Matila Malliarakis & Guillaume Gouix  

Interior. Leather Bar. Directed by James Franco & Travis Mathews . A curiosity from Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee, James Franco. William Friedkin’s gay cult classic Cruising, starring Al Pacino, was cut by 40 minutes in order to allow for a wider release. Franco and Mathews hour-long doc explores Hollywood’s homophobia, and professional and personal boundaries during the re-creation of that imagined lost footage.

Support the festival and prove why Cape Town and the Western Cape is the best destination for anyone, from any background.

Events 15 - 21 April

The week to come is a feast of events for sports fans, foodies, botanists and business, proving once again why Cape Town and the Western Cape is a world-class host...

The 34th Annual IATUL Conference kicked off yesterday at the CTICC and will be running until Thursday, April 18. 

Today at 1pm the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships will kick off at The Ice Station at Grand West. The International Ice Hockey Federation's division three contest includes our own national side as well as those from Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, North Korea and the United Arab Emirates. The contest will be going on until Sunday, April 2.

The Southern Sun Cape Sun Hotel will be hosting Breakbulk Africa Congress 2013 from today until Thursday 18 April.

Don't Dress for Dinner will be on at the Theatre on the Bay 16 April and run until 11 May.

Bien Donne Research Farm in Simondium, Paarl will play host to Bien Donne Agri Cape Week from 17-20 April. The Expo focuses on agri-business and will include industries such as; fruit, wine, vegetable and read meat to name a few.

On Thursday 18 and Friday 19 April, The Grand Arena at Grand West will host world renowned comedic Michael McIntyre, tickets available through Computicket.

 The Houw Hoek Inn near Elgin in the Overberg will host the Pro Nutro African X-Trail from 19 - 21 April.

The Constantia Food and Wine Festival will be taking place this weekend, April 19-21 at wineries all over the Constantia Valley. Food and wine will be presented by award winning restaurants and estates.

The 36 One MTB Challenge will be taking place from 19 - 21 April  at Kleinplaas Holiday Resort in Oudtshoorn.

he Saldanha Bay Tourism Organisation, along with the Langebaan Tourism Association are hosting the Langebaan Lagoon Celebration, a showcase of all you can do and see in Langebaan, on 20 and 21 April.

Bot River in the Overberg will come alive for its annual Barrels and Beards harvest celebration on 20 April at Anysbos farm. All the winemakers stop shaving at the end of February and are judged on their beards by whatever criteria the panel comes up with, afterwards the wines from the seasons harvest are enjoyed.

The West Coast Marathon will take place in Langebaan on 20 April.

Val De Vie Wine and Polo Estate, Paarl, will host the Infiniti 4 Nations Invitational Polo Classic Final on Saturday April 20. The four countries taking part in the invitational are Holland, Pakistan, Nigeria and South Africa.

The 38th Annual Kirstenbosch Garden Fair and Indigenous Plant Sale will be taking place at the Stone Cottages opposite Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on 20 and 21 April from 9am-4pm.

For this and more visit our events calender, as always, feel free to leave a comment if you have any other events to include.

Events 8 - 14 April

The The Winelands town of Stellenbosch will be a buzz tonight as Maties take on Tuks in the final of the Varsity Cup. Kick-off is at 7pm at Danie Craven Stadium.

The Mount Nelson Hotel will be hosting international luxury travel buyers for the International Luxury Travel Market Africa expo from 8-9 April.

Source Africa, the The African Textile, Apparel & Footwear Trade Event will be at the CTICC from 9-12 April showcasing an extensive range of products to discerning clients.

On Tuesday, April 9, The Baxter will be hosting the UCT Symphony Orchestra Concerto Festival. The Baxter will also be hosting the Cape Town Steel Band Festival on Thursday the 11th and the Cape Town Marimba Festival on Friday the 12th.

The annual Pick n Pay Taste of Cape Town Festival will be at the Green Point Cricket Club from 11 - 14 April.

The Clanwilliam Expo will be taking place this Thursday, April 11 until Saturday in the West Coast Town of Clanwilliam. Be sure to stock up the locally grown Rooibos tea, indigenous to the area.

The South African gay and lesbian film festival, Out in Africa, will be held at the Nu Metro Cinemas at the V&A Waterfront from 12 - 21 April.

The Oaks Estate in the charming Overberg town of Greyton will be hosting Mime Voir Couture on Saturday April 13. The gala will be raising funds for A.R.K (act of random kindness) Project, aimed at building a community youth centre.

Trance parties have been on the slowdown over the last few weeks, trance lovers will rejoice at Spiritual Synaesthesia, an outdoor trance festival presented by The Village taking place at Wildekrans Wine Estate in Bot River on 13 and 14 April.

On Saturday, 13 April, Hout Bay Beach will play host to a Sandcastle Competition, so pack you buckets and spades and get the family down there for a fun filled day.

Rustenberg Wines near Stellenbosch will be holding a Rare Plant Fair  on Saturday, April 13.

Mr and Mrs Cape Town will be taking place on Saturday at the All Star Theatre, Cape Gate Lifestyle Centre and will be supporting a worthy charity.

On Sunday, April 14, pack your picnic baskets and head down to the Maynardville Open Air Theatre for some Jazz in The Park.

If you have any events to add, please feel free to leave a comment.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival

CT & WC are proud to once again be hosting the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), now in its 14th year! The annual festival is ranked as the 4th best in the world by Melodytrip, one of the leading music festival sites, this places it ahead of world renowned jazz festivals such as the Montreaux Festival in Switzerland and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland.

It is known as Africa's Grandest Gathering, at it could well be...bringing in a large number of visitors and international artists of the highest calibre, the CTIJF is a another reason why Cape Town and the Western Cape could be one of the top destinations in South Africa, if not Africa.

Past well known acts include; Lauren Hill, Earth Wind and Fire, Sérgio Mendes and Hugh Masekela to name but a few. The CTIJF has grown over the years and now boasts 40 international and African artists on 5 stages over the 2 days. This year's star studded line-up includes Jill Scott from the USA, Brand New Heavies from the UK as well as a South African favourite; Jimmy Dludlu. 

The CTIJF will be taking place on the 5th and 6th of April at the CTICC and tickets are going fast, book through Computicket to avoid disappointment.

As a prelude to the event, the CTIJF hosts, a very popular, free concert on Greenmarket Square later this evening (3 April). The line up includes international headliners as well as local greats; Brand New Heavies, Jimmy Dludlu, Jimmy Nevis, Candice Thornton and St Joseph’s Marist’s School Band.

Events 2-7 April

Hopefully everyone had an enjoyable Easter weekend and are back at work eager and ready for a new month, and here at Wesgro, a new financial year. Here are the events for the upcoming week, lots for one to do with the kids during the school holidays...

The 1st Breathe Sunshine African Music Conference will be taking place at the Cape Town City Hall from the 1st to the 2nd of April. The conference aims to facilitate the knowledge/skills sharing in order to help local artists to the global arena. Big name artists such as Jack Parow, Ready D and Rolling Stone Magazine will be on hand to give advice.

The Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees(KKNK), a national arts festival, is taking place in Oudtshoorn from 29 March up until 6 April. In its 19th year, this festival celebrates diversity and culture through theatre, music and the visual arts.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is back for its annual stint, bringing along with it visitors from far and wide. On Wednesday, April 3, the free community concert will be taking place on Greenmarket Square. This year's acts are UK acid-jazz group the Brand New Heavies, SA's great Jimmy Dludlu, Jimmy Nevis, Candice Thornton and the St Joseph’s Maritzs School band.

April 5 and 6 are the actual days of the event at the CTICC, the headlining act for this year is Jill Scott.

The South African Association for the Conference Industry will be hosting a workshop at the Taj Hotel on Thursday, 4 April. Leading industry experts will informing you on how to bring your event to its full potential.

The annual SA Navy Festival will be taking place from 5-7 April in Simons town. There will be naval displays, flea markets, a dog show and activities for the kids. Bring the family down and enjoy a viewing of the naval ships and submarines.

The final in the series of picnic concerts at the Taal Monument in Paarl, Emo Adams will be performing to an excited crowd on Saturday, April 6. 

The Wesbank Primary School will be hosting the Kunstefees Half Marathon on Saturday 6 April in Oudtshoorn.

The 2nd annual Family Adventure Day will be taking place at Simonsvlei Wine Estate on Saturday, April 6. The day will start with a mountain bike race and trail run and end with food, wine and live music.

Twice a year the artists of Baardskeerderbos open their homes and studios to the public.The Baardskeerderbos Art Route will be taking place on 6 and 7 April in Baardskeerderbos in the Overberg.

BRICS

After lasts night's opening ceremony, the delegates enjoyed a business breakfast hosted by The New Age. Today is actual summit where the head's of the various states will be discussing pertinent issues and various trade opportunities.

Some quick facts on the BRICS nations.(taken from the the BRICS publication)

Brazil

Brazil's capital city is Brasilia. 

Nearly half of South America's population resides in the country.

80% of the population is urbanized.

There is a literacy rate of 86%.

São Paulo is the largest city and is one of the largest metropolises in the world.

Tourism is booming due to Samba music, soft sand beaches and sunny weather.

Brazil is home to the largest tropical forest park in the world, Tumucumaque National Park.

The largest industries are; textiles, shoes, chemicals, cements, lumber and iron ore.

Agricultural industries include coffee, soy, wheat, rice and beef.

The biggest exports are; transport equipment, iron ore, soy beans, footwear and of course coffee. 

Russia

The capital city is Moscow.

There is a 100% literacy rate!

Originally part of the Soviet Union, a failed coup in 1991 resulted in the establishment of Russia

Europe's longest river, the Volga, flows from northern Russia into the Caspian Sea.
The largest industries are mining and extractive industries, machine building, road and rail transportation equipment as well as communications equipment.
Agricultural industries include grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, vegetables and beef.
Biggest exports are petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, wood and wood products, metals and fur.

India
Capital city New Delhi
A literacy rate of 60%.
India is land of great contrast, the world tallest mountain range lies to the north, desert in the west, some off the highest rainfall in the world falls in the east and almost tropical holiday resorts dot the south coast.
India has the second highest population in the world, but is growing faster than the country with the highest and is set to surpass it.
Home to Bollywood, the second largest film industry.
The largest industries are; textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement and mining.
Agricultural processes include rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, cattle and fish.
Biggest exports include textile goods, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, chemicals and leather manufacturers.

China
The capital city is Beijing.
The is a literacy rate of 86%.
China is the world's most populated country encompassing 20% of the world's people!
Is the 4th largest country in area.
China could have the world's longest continuous civilization, spanning 40 centuries.
China has one of the world's highest growth rates, averaging almost 10% a year.
The largest industries are iron and steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles and apparel, petroleum and cement.
Agricultural industries include rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, pork and fish.
The biggest exports are machinery and equipment, textiles and clothing, footwear, toys and sporting goods

The Fifth BRICS Summit

Today is the official start of the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban and Wesgro is here flying the flag for the Western Cape to the world.

 BRICS is acronym for the association of the emerging markets of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Originally called BRIC, South Africa was included in 2010, an indication that we were becoming a strong economic force. 

The aim of the summits are for these nations to seek common ground on areas of importance for these economies. This year's summit will focus on the formation of a development bank for the BRICS nations with possible inclusion of other emerging markets. Another issue on the agenda is the role BRICS will play in the infrastructure development and industrialization of Africa, which was the pledge made at the 2011 BRICS summit that convened in China.

Events 25 March - 1 April

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit and expo will take place from 26-27 March at the Durban ICC. 

The Two Oceans Marathon Expo will be held at the CTICC from Wednesday March 27 till Friday March 29.Find out what the latest trends are running at the moment.

People all over the globe will celebrating Easter this coming weekend 29March to 1April.

The ABSA KKNK Festival (Kleain Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees) will be taking place from 29 March to 6 April in Oudtshoorn. Known as the premier Afrikaans theatre and music event, there will be many performances in English so that the festival is open to a wider audience.

Stellenbosch will play host to the Cape Sports Festival from the 29th of March until the 3rd of April. Rugby, netball, hockey, soccer and tennis will be on showcase.

For trans-lovers, it is that time of the year again, Vortex will be on at The Circle of Dreams, Riviersonderend from March 29- April 1.

Paternoster will be hosting a Full Moon Market on Friday, March 29, enjoy shopping under the stars.

The Sedgefield Slow Festival will be taking place from 29March -1April. bring along the entire family and experience fun the old fashioned way with a range of events to tickle anyone's fancy.

The Wild Goose Chase, the official mountain bike race of the KKNKwill be held on the 30th of March at Goose Wine Estate in Langkloof.

Known as the most most beautiful marathon in the world, The Two Ocean Marathon, sponsored by Old Mutual, will be held on the 30th of March in Cape Town.

Visit the Wesgro Events Calender for more.

Stage 7 Grand Finale ABSA Cape Epic

Today was the final stage of the 10th ABSA Cape Epic, riders did a mad dash from Wellington to Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West. It was a bittersweet day as riders were delighted to finish the Epic, in memory of the Burry Stander, the 1st ,and to date only, South African winner of the Cape Epic.

Congratulations to the winners of stage 7; Jose Hermida and Rudi Van Houts, Sara Mertens and Laura Turpijn (Ladies), Erik and Ariane Kleinhans (Mixed), Bart Brentjens and Robert Sim (Telkom Masters), Bärti Bucher and Heinz Zoerweg (Grand Masters), Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes (ABSA African) and Jan Motshioa and Thokozani Mahlangu (Exxaro).

Winners of the 10th ABSA Cape Epic, Christoph Sauser and
Jaroslav Kulhavy of the Burry Stander-SONGO team.
Photo courtesy of @AbsaCapeEpic

The overall winners of the 10th Edition of the ABSA Cape Epic are Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy. The wining ladies are Yolande Speedy and Catherine Williamson, Yolande was so determined to finish her Epic that she rode today with a broken collar bone and 2 broken ribs! The winning mixed team, that have dominated the race, the Kleinhans couple, Erik and Ariane. The winners of the Burry Stander Memorial Trophy (ABSA African category), Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes. Nico Pfitzenmaier and Abraao Azevedo and Bärti Bucher and Heinz Zoerweg are the winners of the Telkom Masters and Grand Masters categories respectively. Prince Maseko and Phillimon Sebona outshone the rest as the overall winners in the Exarro developent category. Congtratulations to all of you and to everyone that finished this tough race!

ABSA Cape Epic - Lourensford, Somerset West

Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West is hosting the Grand Finale of the ABSA Cape Epic.

Surrounded by orchards, farmlands and vineyards, the scenic suburb of Somerset West lies at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains and forms part of the Cape Town region. Originally called Somerset after British Governor Lord Charles Somerset in 1819, “West” was later added so as not to cause confusion with another South African Town, Somerset East. 

The beautiful Helderberg Nature Reserve is one of the attractions of the area. While the reserve is famous for its wild proteas and superb bird life, it is also home to small mammals such as the bontebok and duiker. There are numerous walks that showcase the beauty of the reserve, including proteas, birds, fynbos and medicinal plants. 

There are numerous wine estates within the Somerset West area which are complemented by views across False Bay. There is also a well-established mall, the Cheetah Outreach Programme and a monkey sanctuary for those looking for a wild life experience. 

 Lourensford Wine Estate, established in the year 1700 is arguably one of the most beautiful wine estates in the world. Steeped in history and heritage, the estate also boasts an ultra-modern winery utilising technology unique in the Southern Hemisphere. The magnificent soils and diverse microclimates create the ideal terrain for awarding winning wines. Lourensford Wine Estate is fast becoming one of the biggest wine estates in South Africa, with over 300 hectares of vines already planted.

Stage 6 ABSA Cape Epic & Burry Stander Memorial Trophy

The penultimate stage of the 10th edition of the Cape Epic saw riders embark from a wet and rainy Wellington at 7am to Stellenbosch as the cut off for this stage has just passed. 

Winners for this stage are as follows:

Mens - Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy

Ladies - Sara Mertens and Laura Turpijn

Mixed - Erik and Ariane Kleinhans

Telkom Masters - Nico Pfitzenmaier and Abraao Azevedo

Grand Masters - Bärti Bucher and Heinz Zoerweg

ABSA African - Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes

Exxaro - Thabiso Komape and Thomas Sokolangane

Congratulations and good luck to all those riding the final tomorrow.

The Burry Stander Memorial Trophy - Presented to the overall winner of the ABSA African Jersey
 

The Burry Stander Memorial Trophy was shown for the first time to ABSA Cape Epic riders at the Prologue (17 March 2013) of this year’s ABSA Cape Epic. Burry Stander, who died tragically in a collision with a taxi whilst training on 3 January 2013, would have ridden the 2013 event as the reigning champion. Created by Angus Taylor, the trophy will honour the first and to date only South African winner. It will be awarded to the overall winner of the ABSA African Jersey. The African Jersey was introduced in 2007 and awarded to the leading African riders in the race.(cape-epic.com)

The trophy will be presented at the final at Lourensford Wine Estate tomorrow.

Don't forget that tonight at 8:30pm is Earth Hour, please turn off your lights and help save our planet.

ABSA Cape Epic - Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is hosting the end of stage 5 and beginning of Stage 6 of the ABSA Cape Epic.

Situated in a magnificent mountain valley lies Stellenbosch, the heart of the South African wine industry and gateway to the Winelands region. Stellenbosch is a quaint town full of history, containing finely preserved examples of one of the most serene forms of domestic architecture in the world – the Cape-Dutch style. The town continues to pay homage to its culture and heritage as each new generation of architects, buildings and town planners ensure the aesthetic value of the town remains intact.   

Named after its founder, Simon van der Stel in 1679, “Stel’s Bush” or Stellenbosch, was the first European settlement in Cape Town and became fondly known as Eikestad or “Village of Oaks” due to the trees planted by its founder. Stellenbosch become a centre for education in the early 19th century, and has stood firm to its roots as home to the world class Stellenbosch University.

This visual effect of Stellenbosch is of course enhanced by the fact that the town is surrounded by spectacular mountains and some of the world’s most famous vineyards, adding to the town and region’s attractiveness to local and international tourists.

Stage 5 ABSA Cape Epic

Stage 5 was set around Wellington, a short and "easy" course which lead to a few surprises. Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy retained the yellow jersey, Yolande Speedy and Catherine Williamson also kept the ladies leader's jersey, the 1st team over the line in the mixed group has changed for the 1st time in this race with Theresa Ralph and Damian Perrin taking the win. In the Telkom masters category Nico Pfitzenmaier and Abraao Azevedo retained their blue jersey, Bärti Bucher and Heinz Zoerweg kept their purple grand masters learder's jersey as did Prince Maseko and Phillimon Sebona of Exxaro with their green jersey, the red ABSA African jersey was won by Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes. Congratulations to all of you!

Photo courtesy of @AbsaCapeEpic