South Africa’s leading family festival, the annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees, promises a weekend of “Wild and Wonderful” experiences for the whole family.

From Friday June 24 to Sunday June 26 the Sundays River town of Kirkwood will be home to the first Zip Zap Circus performances in the Eastern Cape, pop group EDEN on stage in the province for the first time after the group got
together again, while the youngsters have a wild time in their own festivalwithin-a-festival.

On the giant Windhoek stage will be an array of top South African artists playing late into the Karoo night.

“As far as we can tell we are the only major festival in South Africa to cater for the whole family. We consciously cater for all age groups. Thousands of people come for the day to shop at the more than 350 specialist stalls, to treat all five senses to wonderful experiences, and to enjoy the entertainment which is included in the entrance fee,” says festival director Jenni Honsbein.

There is also a serious business side to the festival, which hosts the Eastern Cape’s premier game auction, as well as the biggest agricultural show, the Unifrutti Agri Expo, and one of the biggest new vehicle expos in the country.
There is interest from around South Africa and neighbouring countries in the quality game that will go under the hammer at the annual game auction, which is the only sale in South Africa where breeders can purchase disease-free Addo buffalo directly from South African National Parks.

“Addo Elephant National Park and SANParks are proud to once again be associated with the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees,” says Park Manager, Mzwandile Mjadu.

“Our game capture went well, and this year we will be offering about 40 disease-free buffalo as well as prime eland and kudu at the auction. All funds raised through the sale of the animals will go towards park development and
conservation-related expenses,” he says.

Hosted in the scenic Sundays River Valley less than an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, the Wildsfees is rated as one of the top festivals in South Africa – and one of the only festivals to cater for the whole family.

Other favourite attractions include the Walk on the Wildside experience, skaapkop langtafel, mohair expo and cooking demonstrations and simply chilling out in the Tiki Island Style Bar.