Known as the biggest, loudest, brightest, and proudest arts and culture festival in South Africa, the Grahamstown National Arts Festival is only growing in popularity each year. The one outstanding characteristic of this festival is the support it extends to new talent. The dates for this years fantastic festival are 2 – 12 July 2015.

There’ll naturally be a showcase of creativity in all of its various spheres, such as a variety of live music, sculptures, inspirational artworks, theatre performances, short films, as well as stand-up performing arts.

That’s great you think, but what do I need to bring with, and even more pressing, what do I wear for this 10-day period!? Never fear, our handy guide will give you all the tips you need to keep you warm, well dressed, and safe, while exploring this incredible cultural fiesta.

General Info:

• This annual festival has been taking place since 1974.
• In 2014, there were more than 225 500 recorded visitors – making it one of the most popular festivals in South Africa.
• For 2015, there are set to be 600 productions with more than 2 800 performances being staged over the 11 days.
• First time visitors should book their Grahamstown accommodation as far ahead as possible. Then they should check which performances are appealing and book themselves a spot ahead of time. You will be able to buy tickets, if they are available, a half-hour ahead of the show’s starting time but why take the risk you’ll miss out?
• If you have children, bring them with! No once misses out on the fun, and a children’s festival area has been established. Now, your little ones can be cared for while you explore.
• Despite the variety of arty performances, there are other items of interest to see while here. Craft markets spring up all around this area, so take a walk and view the variety of farm-fresh produce, hand-woven rugs, sparkling jewellery, and other eclectic items for sale.

Bring with:

If you’re staying in a guest house which serves three meals a day, you’re sorted. If, however, you’re staying in a backpackers or choose to camp, you’ll need to bring your own supplies.

• A tent, sleeping bag, and food are all important items if you’re fending for yourself.
• A headlamp or torch is your lifeline at night. It will help you avoid tripping over guide ropes, or sitting on the spider that hangs out in the bathroom.
• Ear plugs and an eye mask help block out unwanted noises and light.
• A lock and key are recommended. This way you can safeguard important items before going a-wandering.
• A large bottle of water should ensure you don’t dehydrate, and a smaller bottle of water should be with you at all times.
• A bag with first aid supplies. Things to include are anti-diarrhoea medication, plasters, disinfectant, headache tablets, and rehydration sachets.

• A large carry-all bag will be required to haul away your purchase, and allow you to have food and water on you at all times. A backpack or messenger bag won’t look out of place here at all. If you’re a bit more fashion conscious, take an over-sized beach bag or tote.
• A friend you trust with your life, and who won’t leave you stranded at any point, is a must. Between the two of you, pepper or wasp spray, and a tazer, are reasonable items to bring as a safety precaution.
• If you’re planning on drinking copious amounts of alcohol, you firstly shouldn’t be a designated driver, and secondly should have an emergency ‘hangover’ kit for the next morning. Panados, anti-nausea tablets, and sunglasses, are items to include.

Wear:

The weather is alas an unpredictable affair, so layered items are key to fitting in, and staying warm or cooling off.  For the gentlemen, a thick, warm jacket to throw over your jeans is a must. For the ladies, some scarves, jackets, and warm boots should be included. There is no hard and fast rule to follow, as most people come dressed in casual chic, so take the below as a guideline, rather than an ultimatum.

Ladies basic outfit: Pumps, denim shorts, long tank with patterns, graphics, or sparkles, and a neutral, flowy cardigan. This is a basic and casual look that can go from day to night with a quick jewellery and accessory change. In the day, pair this look with a light make-up, a nude lip, sunscreen, and loose hair.

To change it up for the evening shows, slick your hair back and put it in a ponytail, then add darker lipstick, brighter or sparkly eye shadow, and a pair of gold or silver hoops. Trade your cardigan for a thicker jacket and your pumps for ankle boots, and you’re set to rock the night away. If the temperature drastically drops, add a pair of black (or if you’re adventurous, bright) leggings under your denim shorts. Swap out your shorts completely for leggings if the evening is only slightly chilly, but ensure your tank top covers all your curvy bits or you’ll be committing a huge fashion faux pas.

Other looks: flowy boho tops, floral prints, ruffles, skirts, maxi dresses, and romantic or vintage inspirations. Mix up the soft classics with harder pieces – leather jackets, studded tops or jewellery, boots of any length, and brightly coloured accessories.

Gents basic outfit: Men hardly ever deign to read fashion advice so I’ll keep this short and sweet: a basic neutral t-shirt, dark wash denim jeans, a light jersey or athletic jacket, and your choice of shoes. For the evening, mix your look up with a leather jacket, gelled hair, smarter shoes, and a can-do attitude.

Tips:

• Avoid the hassle of standing in a long queue to buy over-priced food and drinks, and just bring your own. A cooler bag should ensure nothing goes off, and your drinks stay crisp.
• Despite precautions you will misplace something while away, so don’t bring anything you’ll cry over losing.
• Take a few black bags with you. You can use one for wet or dirty clothing items, and the rest can be used as trash bags. You should leave nothing but footprints in your wake.
• Lastly, think things through, don’t take unnecessary risks, and remember to have fun!

Let us know what your Grahamstown National Arts Festival survival items are, and which performer or band you’re most looking forward to seeing!

Main image courtesy of Eva Rinaldi (Flickr)