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New Year’s Eve Celebrations in the Cape Town

16 Oct, 2019

It feels like yesterday that we were ringing in 2019 and here we are, counting down the days to 2020. If you are lucky enough to call Cape Town home, or have spent a festive season here before, you will know that there is now better place in the country as far as New Year’s celebrations are concerned. Whether you are looking to start the New Year with a bang at a lively party or prefer to ease your way into 2020 while enjoying the smooth sounds of some of South Africa’s most popular bands, you are bound to find a celebration in the city that will satisfy your every need.

Attend the New Year’s Eve Concert at Kirstenbosch

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are renowned for their mind-blowing New Year’s Eve concerts in one of the city’s most majestic settings. After stellar performances by Jeremy Loops and Crimson House, this year’s line-up promises to be as enthralling with a healthy dose of bitter-sweet nostalgia thrown in. South African sensations Freshlyground will headline the concert, performing some of their most beloved songs such as Doo Be Doo, I’d Like, and Baby in Silence for the very last time in the band’s current form. Apart from Freshlyground, concertgoers can also look forward performances by Nomadic Orchestra and local pop sensations Native Young. Tickets to the concert are retailing at R435 and are available from webtickets.co.za.

Watch the fireworks from the mountain

Cape Town is known for the spectacular fireworks display that the city organizes every year. Although the display will be visible from most venues, some people may want to ring in the new year in a more subdued fashion. If you fall into that category, consider heading up Table Mountain or Signal Hill where you can catch the display from the comfort of your car. Grab some take-aways on your way out or pack a romantic picnic basket and make a night out of it. If you prefer steering clear of the city center altogether on New Year’s Eve, head to Milnerton Beach and catch the fireworks from there.

Party at the Grand Africa Café & Beach

If it is a sizzling, summertime soiree you are after, be sure to head on over to the V&A Waterfront for an out-of-this-world celebration. The legendary Pacha Ibiza will once again return to the Mother City for the yearly New Year’s Eve party at one of the city’s most renowned venues – the Grand Africa Café & Beach. Guests will be blown away by incredible acts from the official International Pacha residents Taao Kross and Danny Wade as well as a live show by Sacred Performances Ibiza. The party starts at 21:30 and tickets are available exclusively from Howler.

Take a New Year’s Eve Boat Cruise

Not many New Year’s Eve celebrations can compete with a cruise around Table Bay Harbour aboard a schooner or catamaran. There are various cruise options available that range from R950 to R2950 per person. Enjoy a 3.5 hour Waterfront cruise on a 58ft sailing schooner while indulging on your complimentary sparkling wine and snack platter while waiting for the highly-anticipated fireworks display at midnight. Alternatively, opt for a 4-hour-long cruise on a luxury catamaran that will see guests enjoy an Aperol spritz cocktail and nibbles on arrival. The immensely-popular DJ Didier will be presiding over the festivities and a full cash bar will be available.

Tips to stay safe on New Year’s Eve

The most important rule to adhere to on New Year’s Eve (and every other day) is to not drink and drive. With approximately 65% of road accidents in the country being caused by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, it is of vital importance to stay off the road when you have been drinking. Cape Town sports a number of esteemed taxi services (including Uber) that can safely get you to your destination and back home. City officials urge women, in particular, to never travel alone and to refrain from accepting lifts from strangers. Where possible, always go out with friends and avoid any of the known high-crime areas in the city. If you are driving, be vigilant on the road, and don’t give lifts to strangers and remember to trust your instinct at all times and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Where ever you choose to spend your New Year’s Eve, remember that safety is as important as gratification. It is also recommended to book your tickets for the various events as soon as possible as tickets are selling fast and the last thing you want is to miss out on a great party on New Year’s Eve!