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Cape Town - Only 3 hours away from Johannesburg and Durban, nestled between the colossal Drakensberg Amphitheatre mountains, looking onto The Tugela Falls, is a New Year’s event unlike any other.
The Smoking Dragon Festival is back for its 6th year and has expanded to 4 stages including The Main Stage, Cherch Electric Jungle, Fringe Stage and the sparkling new Ripple Zone, complete with a dam, look-out deck and bar. The perfect location to jam in the water while watching some incredible acts! Upping the game this year they have packed over 40 acts into this 3-day festival.
Dates:
The festival will be taking place from Thursday 29 December to Sunday 1 January.
International line-up:
International acts that will be performing include Stelth Ulvang of The Lumineers and Tudo Mundo.
Stelth is a creator; he's a talented multi¬-instrumentalist, spirited poet and composer of vulnerable, honest, and rich music. Able to balance heavy truths with the lightness of humour and observation, his songs share the wayfaring nature of his heart. His unique ability to transform living rooms, basements, backyards, kitchens, and even large venues into an intimate moment of storytelling, makes his carnival style performance and confessional lyrics appealing to the human experience. "Ulvang leaps barefoot around the stage like a manic musical imp, shaking maracas, booting his piano stool off the podium and tinkling the ivories with his toes." - Daily Mail, London.
Todo Mundo ("All the World"), who was voted "Best World Music" band at the 2011, 2014 & 2015 San Diego Music Awards, blends the musical flavours of Spanish Rumba, Reggae, Brazilian, Balkan and Middle Eastern styles into an irresistible groove that has been moving dance floors and connecting with audiences across the world since 2009. Through music, Todo Mundo has learned to share their soul and experiences with the world. The power of music allows them to transmit their messages of unity, equality, and diversity. Their music and performances possess explosive energy that celebrates life, with the aim of connecting with people from all over the world, and encouraging them to live in the present, as one. They have toured the world with acts like The Roots and The Wailers and will be performing live on South African soil this December.
Local line-up:
Local talent from all over South Africa already announced to play include Grassy Spark, The Rudimentals, The Kiffness, Tidal Waves and more.
Complimenting these international must-see acts, is a music-lovers line-up which will offer something for everyone’s taste. Including Qadasi, which means ‘white person’ in isiZulu, an accomplished Maskandi musician who developed a deep passion for Zulu culture and has toured internationally with Johnny Clegg.
Wandile Mbambeni Music ZA is typically recognised for his smooth afro-soul sound which carries a special kind of magic as he tells stories with his music intertwining it with rap, beat-boxing and electronic collaborations.
Native Young, with band members hailing from South Africa to Spain, bring a fresh twist to the traditional indie genre utilizing unusual instruments in their performance, including marimba, banjo, and djembe drums.
Hezron Chetty's music experience has been described by Mahala as "Psychedelic, eclectic sounds surround the senses and momentarily the crowd forgets where they are and sit patiently in Hezron’s palm begging for another song.
Joining these incredible artists on stage will be Crimson House, Sol Gems, Michael Lesar, Vukuzithate, Retro Dizzy, Goldilox, Yolanda Fyrus, Matthew F, TheCity, The Kickstands, The Shabeen, Mudblud, Red Tape Riot, Josh Roxton and Herkie, Ben Day and the Concrete Lions, Josh Wantie, and the Kings Down South.
The Ripple Zone also includes The Pink Tent, a fun and friendly area where all must feel welcome. This is a space where the LGBTIAQ community is able to be visible and be acknowledged as a vital part of the community. It is powered by the Proud Initiative and designed to welcome everyone whatever your age, race or sexual preference, the perfect space to be yourself and a percentage of bar proceeds go to charity!
Tickets:
Basic festival ticket which will grant the buyer access to the event grounds, basic ablution facilities (hot showers are an additional R25), main food court and bar:
Full Weekend Pass: R695
Day Pass - 29 Dec: R250
Evening Pass - 29/30 Dec: R550
Day Pass - 30 Dec: R350
Evening Pass - 30/31 Dec: R700
Day Pass - 31 Dec: R400
Click here to buy your ticket.
Add-Ons
VIP Campsite Full Weekend: R695
Ticket will include access to the Jacuzzi, Sauna, Swimming Pool, DStv and chill lounges, Private Cocktail bar, Self-Catering kitchens, and free hot showers.
Kids Zone Full Weekend: R200*
*Kids Zone full weekend and day passes allow children under the age of 12* access to fun, child focussed activities in a safe and secure area.
**Kids Zone evening passes allow children under the age of 12* access to 1x guardian per two children overnight, who will make sure the child(ren) are safe and fed.
For more info visit the official website or like their Facebook page here.
