WORDS Ashraf Booley
The highly creative Littlegig festival is a mash-up of gourmet food and drink and a top-notch line-up of music, art, fashion, design and performances by some of the best in the industry.
Now in its third-year running, South Africa’s first all-inclusive 24-hour festival is back. Here are the ins and outs.
DARING DESIGN + AMAZING ART
At Littlegig, styling is taken seriously. So much so that all areas of the festival are designed under the creative direction of Bielle Bellingham, who is the former editor of Elle Decoration.
Design enthusiasts can look forward to architect and artist Sean and Justine Mahoney’s 6-metre metallic inflatable artwork for the island.
Up for a siesta like no other, or just looking to unwind? Try the Deep Sleep tent, in which you will lie suspended in a “cocoon” while listening to regenerative brainwave music. Talk about relaxation! There will be an installation by Rodan Kane Hart on the basketball court, too.
FINE FOOD + DELECTABLE DRINK
Gourmands would agree that this is possibly the best part of the festival: all food and drinks are included in ticket prices, except a select few premium alcohols and certain coffee brands. In terms of food, you can expect to tuck into the likes of mouth-watering wild mushroom kebabs, lamb riblets, Vietnamese crystal rolls and butter chicken – if you’re feeling spicy! These will be available from various food stations that can be found around the festival forest. Additional foodie experiences include a paired food and wine tasting (at an additional cost of R150) by six top local female chefs and winemakers including Ash Heeger x Nadia Newton Johnson and Vanie Padayachee x Jocelyn Wilson.
BANGING BEATS
Need to let your hair down? There will be six stellar music areas, featuring a diverse line-up of musicians and DJs. From The Forest Day Stage to The Night Stage starring live bands and electronic acts, you are sure to get your hips moving.
There will be a dancefloor at The Festival Fashion Concept Store where bubbles will be flowing. At the Island, DJs will be blasting tunes from various genres including funk, Latin, soul and sounds from the continent to cater to a wide range of tastes.
International acts include Stelth Ulvang. From local shores, you can expect performances by SAMA-award winning Black Motion and Johnny Cradle.
PLEASURABLE PERFORMANCES
Apart from the music, this year’s line-up includes comedy, dance, performance and magic. The Night Stage will be opened by Dear Ribane, a sibling trio dubbed performance art pioneers. Guy Pratt, who is a comedian from London and Pink Floyd’s bassist, will have you in stitches.
The Littlegig 24-hour festival will take place between 17 – 18 February 2018 at Wiesenhof farm in Stellenbosch. Tickets are unfortunately sold out. Visit littlegig.co.za for more info.