MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

I Wonder if Walter Batiss Ever Sent Pablo Picasso Some Biltong?

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In 2010, 1.5 ton of biltong was devoured by over 10 000 people who went and hung with the Blue Crane Route Municipality and Castle Lager at the foot of the Boschberg Mountain. Biltong season is again upon us and the picturesque town of Somerset East is preparing itself for the event of the year – the 21st annual Castle Lager East Cape Biltong Festival from 15 to 16 July 2011 at the Somerset East Showgrounds.

Celebrating its twenty-first (21st) edition, the 2011 Festival is a true celebration of Karoo living and promises a variety of biltong: from kudu and chicken to buffalo and even giraffe. On this year’s menu one will find over 300 stalls – ranging from food, curios, outdoor, and product to entertainment specifically for children, including face painting, Popsie the Clown; and for the more adventurous; paintball, quad biking and fly-fishing demonstrations.

But, the main course of the 2011 Biltong Festival, along with the samplings of biltong and Castle, is the entertainment line-up. Festival enthusiasts can look forward to singing along with some of South Africa’s most popular performers, such as: Kurt Darren (giot your ticket yet Theo?), Bobby van Jaarsveld, Lianie May, Jay, Lloyd Cele, Christo and Cobus, Giovanni, Die Campbells, Emo Adams, Liquideep, and Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, to name but a few.

However, the Castle Lager East Cape Biltong Festival is more than just a fun, Proudly South African initiative. It is also used as a vehicle to lend a helping hand to the underprivileged in the community. Over the past six years the profits from the Festival Beer Tent, run by the Somerset East Round Table, have been donated to a series of organisations that assist the underprivileged. To date, R150 000 has been donated.

With the majestic Boschberg Mountain as backdrop, the historical town of Somerset East has intriguing stories waiting to be told. Like that of ‘Samson of the Mountain’, John Kepe, and friend of Pablo Picasso, well-known artist Walter Battiss. The town also boasts several Provincial Heritage sites and monuments including the permanent Slagter’s Nek Exhibition housed in the Somerset East Museum.

For those who are more adventurous and like to walk on the wild side, the area offers various adrenaline-inspired activities like abseiling, mountain biking, hiking, hunting, 4X4 trails, river tubing and rock climbing. But, it also offers visitors the chance to admire the four varying biomes of this area up close and personal by birding, game viewing, camping, and horse riding. Being a town that is so close to nature, it is no surprise that Somerset East hosts the annual Castle Lager East Cape Biltong Festival.

Marette Liddell (Festival Organiser), Ms M Scott (Mayor of BCRM), Riaan van Jaarsveld (SAB), Mr Mene (BCRM)
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.