FUN, song and dance were the order of the day at the King William’s Town Summer Carnival.

The carnival, which took place on the corner of Alexander and Taylor roads on 12 and 13 December, featured various local and national artists coming together to entertain residents and visitors alike.

Music filled the air, from hip-hop and dance to jazz and R&B. There was also poetry. The carnival kicked off with a battle of the deejays, with Young, Khuse, Mbo, Spin and Nqo among the competitors. DJ Mbo won the battle and took home R2 500.

Welcoming guests, the acting executive mayor, John Badenhorst, said: “A carnival is by definition a happy occasion, an occasion that is open to everybody who feels an attraction to it. It is the perfect event for artists to showcase their talents for the enjoyment of their fans.”

The Summer Carnival was aimed at and designed to create a festive atmosphere for responsible self-entertainment, he said. It was a social environment for relaxation and friendly networking; a business platform for the retailers and informal sector and a temporary haven for tourists and local holidaymakers.

On the first day, there were various performances, including by a hip-hop group from Ginsberg, Inhloko Zenyoka; Emonti Jazz Band; Youth Kingdom dancers; and Simbone, the poet from Mdantsane.

Over at the cultural corner, there was drama, poetry and traditional dance groups, while at a fashion show local designers showed off the latest trends.

A gospel show dominated the second day of the carnival, with local gospel singers such as Veliswa Skeyi, Vovee, Lungile, Noluvo, Zama and Voice Ministries and Lord Comforters.

Well known artists who performed at the carnival included the Afro-pop singer, Bongi Dube. Also on the bill were well-known Bongi Dube, who performed You Can Stay, Daddy, July and Ngifuna Wena among other popular tunes, and kwaito group Big Nuz, performing its hit songs like Umlilo, Superman and Kwaze Kwamnandi.

Msawawa, Da Babes, Ntokozo Masinga and DJ Pastor also performed. The carnival will also be held in Mdantsane on 16 December at the Mdantsane City Mall, and in East London on the Esplanade from 18 to 20 December.

In Mdantsane, activities will include an exhibition, a kiddies fun fair, performances by local artists like gospel artist Nobathembu, hip-hop group DOC, Ikhwezi Jazz Band and Lulama Gawulana.

Entertainment will be rounded out by a fashion show, a comedy show, an amateur boxing competition, a cultural festival, a car wash and live entertainment by national artists, including Winnie Khumalo, Theo from Afro-pop group Mafikizolo and DJ Siyanda of Durban Finest.

Various local artists will be performing at the East London Summer Carnival. There will be a battle of the deejays competition, a carnival bash, a magic show and a fashion show.

A street parade from Oxford Street to the Esplanade will be held on Saturday, 19 December and a 5km fun run or walk on Sunday.