By Nangamso Mabindla
30 November 2007

THE festive season is around the corner, and Buffalo City is not leaving anything to chance when it comes to entertaining locals and tourists alike this summer.

And, to ensure that it is the destination of choice this season, the City has a host of activities lined up for holidaymakers. Its manager for tourism development, Phindile Mbonwa, said a slogan had been chosen for this year's summer activities.

"We have come up with 'Ola Summa Summer' and developed a logo so that we can lure people down to East London."

The logo, a sun, represents the Sunshine Coast and invites holidaymakers to use the city as their summer passport to fun in paradise.

Kicking off activities is the annual switching on of the festive lights this evening. "Today we will be starting our summer activities with the switching on of festive lights at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane," Mbonwa said.

There would be plenty of entertainment at the event, including music, fireworks and a movie. The festivities kick off at 6pm on Friday, 30 November.

"[There will be] a big screen where people will be able to watch Sarafina. And, following the activities, the executive mayor will switch on the lights and give a message of hope," Mbonwa said.

There would be similar events in King William's Town on Saturday, at Alexander Road, and in East London on Sunday, 2 December on the Esplanade. All the celebrations start at 6pm.

A summer programme would not be complete without the popular annual carnival in King William's Town and East London.

"We will have the carnival on December 15 to 17 in East London and another one in King on December 22 to 23. Stalls for the East London carnival will sell at R400 for the three days, while the ones in King will sell for R150 for the two days. We already have people from places like Cape Town and Johannesburg making enquiries about the stands."

Activities for the carnival include live music and fashion shows. For children there will be gladiator castles, monkey face castles and face painting.