SEDGEFIELD NEWS - More than 1 200 people attended the recent inaugural En Route Arts Festival, and the organisers described this six-day celebration of the arts as a runaway success.

Festival director Roland Vorwerk said the event exceeded their expectations as the audiences enjoyed a wide range of activities, including an art exhibition, children’s shows, theatre productions, musical performances, talks, readings, workshops and guided tours.

The festival brought together established performers and emerging talent. Acclaimed actor Andrew Buckland shared the programme with young theatre-makers preparing to perform at the National Arts Festival.

Events were hosted at several venues throughout Sedgefield, including In Toto Retreat, the Bistro at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea and the Smutsville Community Hall, highlighting the town’s growing reputation as a cultural destination.

In addition to the performing arts, workshops and guided tours showcased the variety of experiences and attractions available in Sedgefield.

Following the success of this inaugural event, the organisers hope to establish the En Route Arts Festival as an annual fixture on the Garden Route calendar during the second half of June. This timing would allow local audiences to enjoy productions en route to the National Arts Festival.

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