RUSTLER’S VALLEY. This rustic festival venue near Ficksburg in the Free State has been hosting New Year’s Eve parties for the past five years. This year’s celebration focuses on world music with an African flavour, and promises to be a viable alternative for those who want to see in the new millennium in a more profound and spiritual way. Performing live on New Year’s Eve are Absolute Zero, Gito Baloyi, the Mozambican Grupo Timbila De Zavala, Afro-fusion outfit Vusi Mkhize and Sakhula, and traditional African band Umgqumo weAfrica, among others. DJs Daniel Feist, Tim Preston and Manello Marokabei will also be playing. On January 1, there will be a parade, theatre activities and games to keep revellers busy all day. There are only 2 000 tickets available – 1 000 from Computicket and 1 000 available from Rustler’s – at R199.90 for four days of camping. More information: www.rustlers.co.za or: Tel: (051) 933-3939.