Tickets for National Arts Festival productions were ”selling like hot cakes” and sales were already 43% up on last year.
Tickets sales for productions on the fringe programme were 55,5% up compared to the same period last year, while sales on the main programme were 30,6% up, said festival spokesperson Celeste Kohl.
While many said the festival ”feels” smaller, both ticket sales and accommodation bookings suggest this is not the case. Tens of thousands of bed nights have been booked in formal and informal accommodation, and Kohl said ticket sales have never been better.
”At least four or five shows are sold out every day. It’s been wonderful.”
She attributed the sales successes to increased confidence in the festival from both performers and audiences.
”This is probably because of the solid sponsorship we have received.”
Funding for the festival came sponsors such as the provincial government, Standard Bank and the SABC which each provided R3,5-million, the National Arts Council which provided R1-million and the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund which has sponsored R10-million over the next three years.
Meanwhile trading was also going well. Village Green spokesperson Anja Fourie said traders were so far happy with the numbers.
”The public is also happy. The input we received is that the quality of the goods on sale has improved and there is a better selection.”
The number of visitors to the Green was ”slightly” down compared to the same time last year. There were roadworks at several points on the N2 highway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, and trip can take anything up to two hours.
The festival weather has been unseasonably warm and sunny so far this year. – Sapa