Pink Loerie highlights not to be missed

KNYSNA NEWS - The Pink Loerie™ Mardi Gras and Arts Festival in association with Men International will host a spectacle of not-to-be-missed events from 29 April to 1 May as it returns to Knysna after a two-year Covid-19 hiatus.

"Not only will the international singer-songwriter sensation Cassa Jackson be headlining the festival, Mr Gay World™ South Africa 2021 Shanon Kannigan will lead the street parade," said festival director John-Louis O'Neil.

The street parade features high on the programme for Saturday 30 April, but festivities kick off with a VIP dinner and fundraising auction on the Friday before.

"Cassa Jackson will be supporting Lionel Ritchie later this year, but she's coming to celebrate the festival's 22nd birthday with us first," said O'Neil.

"We are also extremely proud to host her first South African performance."

Having appeared on stages such as Wembley Arena, Jackson will perform at the VIP function hosted by Villa Castollini. Shanon Kannigan will lead the event as guest MC and auctioneer for the fundraising auction.

Tickets to the VIP dinner and fundraising event with Cassa Jackson and Mr Gay World ™ South Africa Shanon Kannigan are available.

Saturday is packed with fun and entertainment with highlights that cannot be missed:

Girls just wanna have fun with Wendy Dewberry hosted by The Queen, 10 Queen Street, from 08:00 to 14:00.
A pre-assembly point cocktail event with live entertainment hosted by Oaks on Main, Knysna Main Street, from 09:00 to 14:00.
Unleash the animal/superhero in you street party, Gray Street between Nelson and Rawson streets, from 14:00 to 16:00.
Knysna Pride Street Parade from Rawson Street to the Waterfront Knysna Quays via Gray Street, 16:00, led by Jackson and Kannigan.
Official after-party from 16:30 to 23:00 at the Waterfront Knysna Quays with Jackson and guest artists, where you will be taken on a journey of sound by DJs Nick, Quinton Kelly, Nukes and more.

All Covid-19 prevention regulations will be adhered to and access to the street party and after-party will be limited to 2 000 attendants each.

"Monday 2 May is a public holiday. This means everyone can enjoy the farewell lunch with live music hosted by Olde's Pub & Grill on Sunday afternoon," O'Neil said.

"As well as celebrating the diversity of our community, the festival hopes to highlight local business and tourism in Knysna.

"This is an open invitation to businesses in Knysna, who may be running specials during the festival, to send us their advertisements so we may publish them on our social media platforms.

"We are looking forward to bringing the festival back to Knysna this year. It is high time that everyone gets to let their hair down and have fun again."

Shanon Kannigan Photo: Rudi du Toit Photography