Grahamstown residents and experienced Festival-goers share their inside tips on making the most out of #NAF17

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Mary Birt has not missed a single Festival since its inception in 1974
Don’t book too many shows as you need to be flexible, but do buy tickets for the big Main events.
– Fill up your schedule by talking to people for recommendations. Experiment and see something you would normally not. Late-night music is always a good way to end the day.
– If you don’t have a car and need a lift, catch a Hopper, the free Festival shuttle. Walking tours will give you a good sense of the town.
– As happens anywhere at crowded events, your security can be compromised, so look after your bag and other belongings
– Enjoy all that little old Grahamstown has to offer during Festival. We always do our best to make you very welcome!

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Yandisa Sobahle is a Journalism and Media Studies Masters candidate at Rhodes University

– The Rat and Parrot remains the favourite pub for many. Saints Bistro is chilled and the food is excellent. If you are after a chilled township environment then Mfana’s is the place to try.
– Download the app and follow the Festival’s social media channels for all the details and updates.
– Bring something warm – the weather can be freezing. Don’t forget a raincoat and umbrella.
– Secure your accommodation on time. It’s a good idea to get a recommendation.
– Coffee lovers have quite a selection to try such Handmade coffees at Under The Arch or at the Monument, or Madhatters in High Street and Homeground, which roasts its own coffee.

 

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Carissa Govender has four Festivals under her belt, has attended countless shows – and sampled possibly all the food on offer

– Do everything, or as much as time and budget will allow. Some things only come around once and you will regret missing that one show everyone else raves about for months after the Festival.
– Challenge yourself to see at least one show from every genre. You’ll either be pleasantly surprised at what you enjoy, or leave wondering if you’ve just watched the weirdest performance in existence.
– Support street artists, connect with inspiring thinkers and creators at Think!Fest, eat something you’ve never tried before (the Hare Krishna’s chickpea fudge is a must) and let your inner child delight in the funfair at Fiddlers Green. Oh and definitely support the vendors at Church Square. Last year I picked up a second-hand, full-length, pure wool coat for just R90.

 

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Kay Mosiane works for the National Arts Festival as a production assistant

– Spend some time at the markets at the Village Green, Church Square and Fiddlers Green. Smell the smells, eat the eats and look at all the things to see. It’s all very thrilling.
– Watch one show you’re dying to watch, one show you’ve heard good things about, and one show you picked at random and know nothing about.
– Go out at night. Meet people. There are so many incredible people with incredible stories at NAF. Get to know them.

 

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Busi Tshabalala, lover of all performing arts, is based in Johannesburg

– Respect Grahamstown weather. Always carry something warm with you no matter how “hot” it may seem.
– Take the time to go through the Festival programme. Look out for the free and discounted shows, and read up on shows you ordinarily wouldn’t attend.
– Don’t neglect Fingo Festival. It’s bright, it’s vibrant, and it’s authentic.

 

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