More than 90 000 gather for the 56th annual Festive Lights Switch-On in Cape Town
Pictured at the back, from left, are Francis Mzee, Safwaan Brennen and Sheney Barghus. In front are Stacy Miller, Bianca Miller, and Faith Jacobs, all from Muizenberg.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
More than 90 000 people attended the annual Festive Lights Switch-On (FLSO) in Cape Town on Sunday, November 30.
Some of them arrived at 6am to set up their camping chairs and umbrellas to have front row seats at the City of Cape Town's free open-air concert on the Grand Parade, which started at 4pm.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis flipped the switch from the stage set up in front of the City Hall, illuminating Adderley Street with a series of festive light motifs at 9pm.
This year's 56th anniversary of the family-friendly Capetonian tradition is themed 'United in Hope'.
In Adderley Street, big screens were set up, around which residents sat on camping chairs and picnic blankets.
Pictured in the middle is Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis flipping the switch on the festive lights.
Image: Supplied
On the parade, Tougheedah Abrahams, from Cape Flats Organisation, had a table set up with snacks and treats for up to 30 people.
They had arrived at 6am to ensure the "perfect place for all of us," she said.
Ms Abrahams stated that they are a non-profit organisation aiming to change things for themselves.
They have activities for young and old, and rallies for resources in their community.
Rabea Cornelius, from Old Woodlands in Mitchell's Plain, enjoy a day on the Grand Parade.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Rabea Cornelius, from Old Woodlands in Mitchell's Plain, had been on the parade since 7am because her granddaughter was with the D6 Hanover Minstrels, who were due to perform just before 8pm.
She said before the concert, it was a bit boring but rather peaceful away from her grandchildren, left at home.
Ms Cornelius and her sister just came to relax on the Grand Parade.
Zak Matthys, from Parow, Keisha Stevens, from Rocklands, and Veronica Tsindi, from Gardens.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Christoline Cereen Goliath, from Retreat, said she enjoyed the vibe, including the stalls, the interaction, and the different artists on stage.
She had been attending the annual switch since her daughter was born 14 years ago.
Benthe Verdegaal, from the Netherlands, said her South African boyfriend, who lives in Gardens, had told her about the tradition and that she did not want to miss it.
Pictured right, is Tougheedah Abrahams, from Cape Flats Organisation, and her neighbours enjoy a day on the Grand Parade.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort