In a Tribute of Light and Hope, the V&A Waterfront Shines a Light on the City of Cape Town, and replaces their traditional fireworks display this year.
It will first be switched on on New Year’s Eve 31 December 2020 at midnight. The new curfew means spectators can’t gather at the Waterfront to watch it being switched on, but the beam of light should be visible from a distance so people can look out for it from their homes. On subsequent nights the lights will be switched on at 9pm for an hour.
The beam, which consists of 36 vertical searchlights, forms part of the Waterfronts’ Tribute of Light symbolising the lives that were lost, the jobs that were affected, the coming together of a nation in solidarity and ultimately for hope in the new year.
“We are using the symbolic warmth of light to draw us to a moment to connect, even though we are physically apart, and hope everyone who sees it takes the time to contemplate on themes of compassion, solidarity, connection, inspiration, and collaborations we have been able to demonstrate and experience during a very uncertain period. New Year’s Eve will mark the first time in the V&A Waterfront’s 30-year history, that we won’t see crowds converging in our neighbourhood for the traditional countdown to a fireworks display at midnight to usher in the New Year” says David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront.
The beam will light up for an hour at midnight on 31 December and daily for an hour at 21h00 for the following 6 days into the new year.
Joy from Africa to the World
Visitors to the Waterfront over the holiday period can also look forward to the continuation of the festive décor theme, Joy from Africa to the World. This became a global-first when it launched last year, with the destination producing sustainable festive décor and installations throughout the precinct – all crafted from recyclable materials.
- This year’s festive decorations were made possible through the collaborative efforts between local artists, makers, tenants, and children from surrounding schools. 134 crafters and designers have contributed to spreading hope and light through the festive décor.
Sustainability, collaboration, creativity and compassion remain the foundation of the V&A Waterfront’s holiday season this year.
The 2020 festive period is preceded by months of global upheaval, extended moments of isolation, and change that few of us could predict or control. The Waterfront is ready to contribute to humanity’s attempts to restore hope and they are geared to do it in a meaningful way.
WHERE: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: midnight on 31 December and daily for an hour at 21h00 for the following 6 days into the new year
See also Cape Town Green Map
Managing Covid-19
Covid-19 Management protocols at the Waterfront remain in place throughout the festive period with the wearing of masks mandatory throughout the neighbourhood. In August this year, the Waterfront became the first attraction in South Africa to adopt the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp protocols. This is the world’s first-ever global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel & Tourism, designed specifically to address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks.
About The V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is an iconic mixed-use destination located in the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, the 123-hectare neighbourhood sits within the beautiful city of Cape Town, welcoming millions of people from all over the continent and the rest of the world. The V&A is a symbol of heritage and diversity, where people from all walks of life can play, live, shop, dine and work while immersed in the vibrant spirit and authentic local culture that exists in this bustling ecosystem. It sees its role on the continent to be a platform that facilitates and champions art and design, to support entrepreneurship and innovation, lead the charge on sustainability, and drive positive social and economic change. By prioritising people and the planet, the V&A is an example of how working with communities, respecting the environment and operating with passion and integrity is a better, more productive and kinder way of doing business.
INFO: Donald Kau, head of PR and Communications, V&A Waterfront
