PRESS RELEASE

1 December 2006

SCORCHING SUMMER PROGRAMME FOR BC

Buffalo City, we ask you to brace yourself for a scorching summer season.

As the count down to Buffalo City's summer season begins, organizers; sponsors and supporters are working feverishly to put the final touches to the 2006 festive programme, which promises to be nothing but fun.

The good news for Buffalo City residents is that the historic Carnival, is also back on the cards.

The Executive Mayor, Councillor Zintle Peter said, “hosting an annual carnival is ingrained in the much anticipated activities of the city and not hosting one during my first year in office would have disappointed me immensely. “ I am therefore delighted to report that we all came together to put the carnival back on track.”

Buffalo City's Municipal Manager, Gaster Sharpley was full of praise for the initiative shown by key stakeholders, saying that their commitment to the success of the city's festive season was laudable. “ Residents and visitors must come and be part of the festivities, ” he said.

The sponsors who have come to the party include Buffalo City Municipality, and Department of Economic Affairs Environment and Tourism - Eastern Cape.

The much anticipated opening of season will kick-off with the “switching on of the festive lights' in King William's Town on 7Th December 2006, followed by Mdantsane on 8th December and East London on the 9th of December.

The carnival will follow on the following dates and times:

East London - Oxford Street:

• Friday, 15th December 2006: 18h00 - 22h00
• Saturday, 16th December 2006: 14h00 - 22h00

King William's Town - Metlife Mall:

• Monday, 18th December 2006: 12h00 - 19h00
• Tuesday, 19th December 2006: 12h00 - 19h00

Stalls are currently selling very fast and should people be interested in booking stalls, you are urged to contact the Tourism Buffalo City office in East London (Esplanade) on (043) 722 6015. Applicants who are interested in booking food stalls to first ensure that they apply with the Buffalo City Health Department for a permit. Contact: Mr Hugo (Tel 705 2927) or Mr Engelbrecht (Tel 705 2914). The permit must be produced when purchasing the stall.

King William's Town applicants to note that for convenience, a stall layout map for King William's Town will be located at the Amathole Museum, however, all bookings still to be confirmed through the Tourism office in East London.

Should you be interested in a detailed activity programme comprising of fun things to do in the city, this is also available at the Tourism Buffalo City's office.

The municipality would also like to issue a warning to all residents that as part of the festivities for the “switching on of the lights”, fireworks will be discharged in the King William's Town, Mdantsane and East London areas. Residents who own pets are kindly urged to take precautions during this period by either sedating your pets by acquiring sedatives from your local veterinary surgeon, or keeping them confined in dark room or on a leash.

Issued by:
Darby Gounden
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY
TEL: 043- 705 1123
FAX: 043- 722 4791
EMAIL: darbyg@buffalocity.gov.za