The second annual Blooms and Brushstrokes festival will be taking place at various locations around East London on Saturday, November 16.
The exciting two-day event will cater to the needs and pleasures of art and music lovers, as well as foodies.
Twelve homeowners have opened their homes as venues, with at least one artist stationed at each house doing demonstrations or hosting an exhibition.
Another fun element this year is that each house will have a pop-up restaurant where people can enjoy East London’s finest food.
The event is aimed at raising funds for 12 local NPOs including Pet Pals, Reach for a Dream, the Salem Baby Centre, Breathe of Life and Carel du Toit Centre, among other organisations.
The event is the brainchild of BASS Property Group, in partnership with Investec.
Event organiser, Hanlie Bassingthwaighte, says this year’s event is bigger and better than last year, and will be a perfect celebration of music, art and food. “Each event is more detailed,” she said.
“Last year we had 12 artists, this year we have 22 and each house has a pop-up restaurant.
“It’s more detailed and more refined.
“I think it’s important for people to see this as a very large art festival.
“The proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly to 12 local NPOs.
“This is a very big fundraiser for them.
“It’s time for East London to support their NPOs and have a ball on the weekend.”
Some of the restaurants that are a part of the programme include Jules on Jarvis, Crave Burger, Evolve and Jacques Bakery, among other eateries.
Pianist Nathan Johannisen, vocalist Alison Hilstead, opera singer Siphokazi Mzamo, and quartet 16 Strings and many other musicians will be part of the programme, entertaining visitors at each house venue.
Professionals from various industries will also share their expertise through discussions and talks.
Some of the speakers include mosaic artist Cindy Field, architect AJ Corbett, SuperSport anchor Sam Ludidi and author Thando Mgqolozana.
Tickets are available for R200 each on Howler, or at any of the NPOs and restaurants involved in the festival, and at Bass Property’s headquarters.
The official two-day programme and locations of the festival are available online.
