Details for the Festive Lights Switch-On including EXTENDED MyCiti service

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An anticipated 80 000 people will gather on the Grand Parade and surrounds in the Cape Town CBD this Sunday for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On festival.

This free, family-friendly event marks the official start of summer. Festive lights will be turned on under the theme “People of Hope.”

MyCiti services and road closures

To accommodate the large crowd at the Festive Lights Switch-On, the City of Cape Town has announced an extended MyCiTi bus service. Special late-night routes to Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain will operate, with the final bus departing from the Civic Centre station at 23:15.

Due to the road closures on Sunday, 1 December, service on other MyCiTi routes will be impacted, including Route 106. This service will divert via Strand Street, skipping the Groote Kerk stop. Full MyCiti bus deviation details are available here.

Motorists and residents are also reminded that there will be road closures from Tuesday, 26 November until Tuesday, 3 December. This is to allow for set-up and logistical planning.

There will be no access for buses and taxis to Adderley Street during these dates. The full list of road closures is available here.

Street entrances for the Lights-On festival will begin opening at 13:00. Image: Supplied

Entertainment line-up and safety measures

The event kicks off at 16:00 and is scheduled to finish at 22:00. It will feature live performances from top artists. Among these are rising star Carletheia, legends Dr Victor & the Rasta Rebels, 3 Tons of Fun, Wynand and Chereé Strydom, MÖRDA, Mafikizolo and many more.

The Switch-On moment will be the highlight along with the now famed, video mapping of the City Hall.

Comedians Alan Committie and Lunga Tshuka will be anchoring the event. Added to the comedy line-up are the three finalists from the City’s Festive Lights Switch-On Comedy Competition earlier this month.

“Our priority is to create a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

“We urge attendees to respect the rules and work with event staff to ensure a positive experience.”

As such, strict safety measures will be in place, including a zero-tolerance policy toward alcohol, illegal substances, and dangerous items. Attendees will be searched at 12 entry points.

These entrances will open from 13:00.

The KID SMART Project (on site in the City Hall) will also provide temporary bracelets for children to help reunite any lost kids with their families and guardians.

Refreshments

Water points will be available at the Lights Switch-On event. This includes four on the Grand Parade, one on Upper Adderley Street and one on Lower Adderley Street.

Kiosks on the Grand Parade and vendors in Lower Plain Street will be trading on the day. They will serve food, snacks and soft drinks.