KNYSNA NEWS - For the first time ever, Knysna hosted an international street festival at the Thesen Harbour Town on Saturday 22 March.

The festival, an Italian-themed one, produced a vibrant rejoicement style, and it attracted a huge crowd of people. People from as far afield as Durban came to witness what some called the best street festival. 

The venue was full of people sampling the food and drinks, and some items of clothing were among the things on sale during the day. Some cars and scooters were on display, as well.

The event's organisers, Nicci Rousseau-Schmidt, owner of Knysna PR, and Carien Loubser of Brainwave Productions, both described it as wonderful and said it had met their expectations.

Rousseau-Schmidt said it was a wonderful thing for the people, as it brought many of them together in one place to enjoy themselves. "I see people relaxed, enjoying themselves and coming together as one person. There should be more events like this one. I want to thank Remax Coastal, our main sponsor – without their support, the Festival would not have been possible."

Cherie Cusens, marketing manager for Cusens Projects, said the Italian Street Festival was a delight to attend.

"The food and Italian wine and champagne displays were lovely, and there was excellent entertainment, scrumptious food and a really cool display of Italian bikes and cars, vintage and new. I would definitely attend again and look forward to it being an annual event that grows from strength to strength here in Knysna! Well done to the organisers, sponsors and Knysna people."

One of the attendees, Jenna Manuel, expressed her delight at being part of this historic event in the Garden Route area, saying it had an electrifying atmosphere.

"It is amazing. We are enjoying ourselves; there is a great vibe and we got lots of good music playing. There are lots of people around today, enjoying themselves and having fun," she said.

Ciara Mayne, the Knysna Education Trust's (Ket) head of media and publishing, said they were there to provide fun for the kids and also do fundraising. "We have a kids' corner and there are lots of activities here for them, they are having fun and they love it. We are also fundraising for the Ket here today."

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