By Nangamso Mabindla
13 December 2005

THE East London Esplanade is a riot of colour and sound as the popular annual end of year carnival gets under way.

Currently on the go, the carnival follows hot on the heels of celebrations turning on the festive lights in Mdantsane, King Williams' Town and East London, held last week.

East Londoners are streaming down to the Esplanade to share in the festivities and the ever-popular Coca Cola truck is once again on hand to entertain the hundreds of visitors already at the beachfront.

Keeping the crowds entertained before the formal events of the evening begin is a young magician, waving his magic wand and confounding onlookers.

People are buying goods from the different stalls. Goodies on sale range from crafts and beadwork to food - all the things that make a carnival such a family occasion.

Crowds are expected to swell later into the evening and visitors come from as far a field as Stutterheim.

The carnival is not the only event brightening up the beachfront. The annual fun fair is also keeping East Londoners at the beachfront this summer.

The carnival starts at noon and runs until 10 pm Thursday.

The fun looks set to continue in Buffalo City over the weekend as popular kwaito stars Spikiri and Kabelo jive into town. Spikiri will be performing in East London on 15 December, while Kabelo will be in King Williams' Town on 17 December.