Plettenberg Bay Rage set for a comeback

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plans are in place for Plettenberg Bay to host its annual school leaver festival, Plett Rage, after a devastating blow last year when organisers had to cancel the event as a result of Covid-19 regulations and concerns over the safety of festivalgoers.

As with most things during the current global pandemic, the format will however materialise in a different shape this year, taking place over two long weekends instead of over the traditional full week of festivities.

"In planning Plett Rage 2021, we have been working on what we believe to be the most realistic, the safest and the best possible solution under the current restrictions," festival owner and founder Ronen Klugman said.

He said calling off the 2020 festival was the most difficult and "gut-wrenching" decision he and his team have had to make. "We realised that it would have a huge impact not only on the ragers, but also on our suppliers and many of the [Plettenberg Bay] locals who rely on the festival to take place."

It is estimated that the festival boosts the Bitou economy by more than R50-million each year.

Klugman announced that this year's festival would be hosted as two separate four-day-long weekends. The first is set to take place from 3 to 6 December while the second will be hosted from 8 to 11 December.

While Plett Rage won't look the same this year as in 2019, it is set to make a comeback following the festivals cancellation last year as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

"Due to the limitations and wanting to ensure a world-class Plett Rage experience, numbers will be limited per weekend. We will be adhering to all governmental restrictions. Festivalgoers' safety is our number one concern," he said.

Ticket sales will open on 1 September. A month later there will be a meeting with all relevant parties, before final decisions are made on 3 November.

Plett Rage founder and owner Ronen Klugman announcing Plett Rage 2021.