The stage is set for a new look and new experiences at the 22nd annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees.
Taking place in a new venue from Friday, June 27, to Sunday, June 29, it will feature around 29 hours of live performances by national and local artists, expos, working dog and horse demonstration and more, according to festival director Jenni Honsbein.
“Our catch phrase for 2025 is ‘Be-dingus’. To fully experience what it means, you will have to come to the festival,” she says.
The family-friendly festival includes 300 specialist stalls, new vehicle, agriculture and outdoor expos and the bigger, creepier Walk on the Wildside experience.
Back by popular demand is the “Boeresport met Perde” demonstrations by JC Schoeman and his steeds in the MTN Arena.
Aspirant young horse whisperers will be able to enjoy pony rides around the festival grounds.
There will be working dog demonstrations by Jabas sheep dogs for the first time at the festival.
Visitors to the Walk on the Wildside marquee will discover the world of snakes, spiders, and bees from Mark Marshall and his team (for the creepy crawlies) and beekeeper Lohan Geel.
First stop on entering the Walk on the Wildside Marquee will be the Tree of Life, made from recycled cardboard by APL Packaging.
There will also be a dinosaur display (they roamed the Sundays River Valley), information on rhino conservation, and what the Addo Elephant National Park and other national parks have to offer, according to organiser Mandy Roets.
Another highlight will be an expo by 12 of the province’s leading tourism destinations and experiences.
The headline acts on the giant ECPTA stage are Spoegwolf on Friday, Ruhan du Toit and Kurt Darren on Saturday, and Blackbyrd on the Sunday.
A day entrance for under 18s is R120 throughout the weekend, and R250 for adults on Friday and Saturday.
The adult entrance fee on Sunday is R200, with pensioners (over 65s) qualifying for a 50% discount on the Sunday.
Youth Weekender passes are R250 and Adults R500.
