George Festival 2025 Officially Launched – “Game on, George!”
In the photo: Leaders celebrating the official launch of the George Festival 2025 at the George Museum. From left: Cllr Melvin Roelfse (MMC for Social Development – Libraries, Sport and Customer Care), Cllr Browen Johnson (Executive Deputy Mayor of George), Alderman Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George), MEC Isaac Sileku (Western Cape Minister of Mobility), and MEC Ricardo Mackenzie (Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport).
The spirit of celebration is alive in George following the official launch of the George Festival 2025 on Friday, 14 November, at the George Museum. Hosted by the George Municipality in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), the event set the tone for what promises to be one of the region’s most vibrant celebrations of culture, art, and sport. The launch, attended by dignitaries, sponsors, partners, and community representatives, showcased the energy and unity driving this year’s festival theme — Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration.
Executive Mayor Alderman Jackie von Brandis opened the proceedings, welcoming guests and reflecting on the journey that brought the festival to life. “When we said something big is coming to George, this is what we meant,” said Mayor von Brandis. “This festival represents who we are — a community full of creativity, talent, and heart.”
Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, delivered an inspiring keynote address, encouraging residents to embrace the festival spirit. “The George Festival 2025 is more than an event — it’s an investment in people, creativity, and community.”
“When we bring together arts, culture, and sport, we build unity, create opportunity, and inspire hope that lasts far beyond the festival dates. This celebration will showcase the very best of George and the Garden Route — from our athletes and artists to our entrepreneurs and families. I want to thank our strategic partners — SportPesa, Heineken, MTN, and Knox — as well as the George Municipality, Council, and Garden Route District Municipality for believing in this vision. Together, we are proving that when government, business, and community stand side by side, we can build a legacy of growth, pride, and opportunity for generations to come
The morning included performances, sponsor recognitions, and the unveiling of the official George Festival 2025 programme, followed by networking and light refreshments.
A FESTIVAL POWERED BY PARTNERSHIP
The success of the George Festival 2025 is made possible through the dedication of multiple partners and sponsors who have joined forces to create a world-class experience for residents and visitors alike.
Lead Sponsors and Partners:
MTN – Key festival sponsor supporting community sport, youth participation, and local athletes.
Heineken Beverages – Contributing financial and product support to elevate the festival atmosphere.
SportPesa – Sponsor of the Home of Golf Sundowner Challenge, promoting sporting excellence and community upliftment.
Knox Hydrate – Official hydration partner, ensuring athletes and festivalgoers stay refreshed.
SCAVA (Southern Cape Association for the Visual Arts), ATKV, MTB Hillbillies, George Trails (GTR), Home of Golf Africa, George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA) NPC, George Naturally, and the Garden Route Botanical Garden Trust, have also pledged their invaluable support. The festival further enjoys collaboration with the Eden Sport Council and the Garden Route District Municipality.
Mayor Von Brandis extended heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors and partners, saying, “Your investment in this festival is an investment in George — in our people, our youth, our creativity, and our shared future.”
FOUR DAYS OF CULTURE, SPORT, AND CELEBRATION
The George Festival 2025, taking place from 13 to 16 December, will transform the city into a vibrant hub of entertainment and activity, with events hosted across Unity Park, the Garden Route Botanical Gardens, Thembalethu, Rosemoor, Pacaltsdorp, and the George Museum.
Festival highlights include:
Saturday, 13 December: A full day of sporting action — including 5-a-side soccer, Indigenous Games, Touch Rugby, Netball, and Table Tennis tournaments — culminating in the Annual Lights Festival at Unity Park, with live performances, markets, and family entertainment.
Sunday, 14 December: Eden Street Mile, George Trails/GTR Trail Run (14km and 7km), Gospel Festival at Unity Park, and ongoing sport.
Monday, 15 December: Long Table Literary and Arts Experience at the George Museum, Kiddies Fun Zone at the Botanical Gardens, Bowls for the Blind at the George Bowling Club, and the Louis Massyn 5km and 10km Fun Run.
Tuesday, 16 December: Finals across all sporting codes, Chess, Dominoes, and Scrabble competitions at Unity Park, the MTB Hillbillies Dam Dash (35km, 20km, and 10km), GTR Cross Hike (6km), and the Jazz Summer Festival at the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre, Pacaltsdorp.
The festival’s diverse offering celebrates George’s cultural identity while promoting active living, inclusion, and local economic development. In closing the launch, MMC Melvin Roelfse encouraged residents and visitors alike to participate fully in the festival: “This festival is more than a series of events — it’s a reflection of who we are as a city. It’s about connection, pride, and the joy of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Let’s make George Festival 2025 unforgettable.”
The George Festival 2025 – Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration. promises to bring the city together in a true celebration of creativity, unity, and local pride.
Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/45dvp5d8 and follow official George Municipality and WC DCAS social media channels.
