Kimberley - The thousands of visitors expected to descend upon Kimberley for the jam-packed line-up of events planned over the Easter weekend, have been warned that any unruly or illegal activity will be dealt with harshly.
The Easter weekend has become synonymous with the annual Diamonds and Dorings music festival, and 2016 will be no exception as the event runs into its 15th year.
This year, the programme will include a comedy show and fashion extravaganza on Thursday night, a gospel show on Friday evening, at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre (MSCC), the Diamonds and Dorings marathon, a golf day on Saturday and the main music festival on Sunday, at the Langley Resort just outside Kimberley.
On Sunday, national superstars including Lira, Zahara, Zonke and Mfikizolo will join local artists like Lefa, Deekamo and Rough Diamond on stage and revellers are expected to party late into the night.
More than 10 000 visitors are expected at the event.
Spokesperson for the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Sello Matsie, said that the Diamonds and Dorings festival has become the flagship event for Kimberley and called on residents and visitors to “make time for some top-class entertainment” during the “not-to-be-missed” event.
“We have received enquiries about the event from across South Africa and expect tickets to sell out as we will have “crowd-pulling artists” on stage,” Matsie said.
However, he added that absolutely no crime or unruly behaviour at the event would be tolerated and that there will be zero tolerance for drinking and driving to and from the event.
“Police and road traffic officials will be deployed in full force and unruly or illegal behaviour will be dealt with accordingly,” Matsie warned.
Also expected to pull thousands of visitors to the city this weekend is the second annual Kimberley Spinfest, which will leave motorsport enthusiasts entertained with an Easter weekend programme that includes an exhilarating display of top-class spinning, drifting, drag racing, oval track racing and show and shine displays at the Try Me Spinning Grounds.
One of the event organisers, Tyrone Valla, said that it was all systems go for the event, which will take place on Sunday from 1pm.
“More than 2 500 people are expected at the event, which is considered the biggest (event) on the Kimberley spinning calendar. Visitors can expect superb stunts and a great vibe, with entertainment for all ages,” Valla said.
He added that the biggest names on the South African spinning circuit would be performing as guest spinners, alongside local spinners.
Valla stated that a large contingent of police officials, as well as more than 50 private security guards, would be deployed at the event, to ensure optimal safety for all attendees.
Visitors can also witness another exciting event with competitors and motorsport lovers entertaining spectators with their spinning skills at Galeshewe Arena, with the Easter Spinning Ride 2 Slide from March 25 to 28.
Also running this weekend, from March 26 to 28, the Sol Plaatje Masters League Tournament will see different soccer teams from the Kimberley area competing for the tournament championship at AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley.
Police also issued a stern warning to Easter weekend revellers.
“Drinking in public will not be tolerated and those found breaking the law will be dealt with harshly in terms of the laws of the country. Motorists are forewarned that there will be a no-nonsense approach in terms of drunken and reckless drivers,” police spokeswoman, Major Dimakatso Mooi, said.
She also said that people who planned on travelling should avoid hitchhiking and motorists should avoid offering people lifts as they might be robbed or killed and women might be raped.
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