WITH just more than a week to go until the end of the year, and the biggest party night of all, here are some ideas on how to ring out the old and ring in the new.
* A sunset hike at Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, R44 between Klapmuts and Stellenbosch. Arrive at 5.30pm, the hike begins at 6.30pm, and the sun sets at 8.01pm. Cost: R100 (R50 for children under 10) which includes a glass of sparkling wine on the koppie (or juice) as well as a map of the marked trails and an optional shuttle to the halfway point.
Snacks and cool drinks will be for sale at the Trail Centre. Picnics from the Simonsberg Café can also be booked through Dirtopia. Bring something warm to wear after dark and a torch (torches also for sale at the Trail Centre). Don’t forget to wear your hiking shoes! Booking is essential. Call 021 884 4752 or e-mail [email protected] and see www.dirtopia.co.za for more info.
* A lively, colourful, free new year celebration at GrandWest. The countdown festivities will begin at 11pm when free party packs will be handed out to visitors on the gaming floors. From 11.30pm, rock band Blackbyrd will get the crowd on their feet and dancing as they get ready to bid farewell to 2013.
As the countdown begins, staff will be ready with trays of bubbly for revellers to raise a toast to 2014 and all the promise that a new year brings, as traditional Scottish bagpipers perform Auld Lang Syne in remembrance of old acquaintances and the passing of another year.
Blackbyrd will take the celebration back up a notch as they perform another set until well into the new year. And a special 1am car draw will see one lucky Sun International MVG member drive away in a car as new as 2014.
For those who prefer a more intimate celebration, Video Killed the Radio Star will begin in Roxy Revue Bar at 10pm. Tickets cost R150 and include a glass of bubbly on entry.
* From early evening, the V&A Waterfront will be abuzz with non-stop free activities such as street performances by Zip Zap Circus performers who will astound and delight the crowds with their agility, as well as performances from live bands. A custom-built stage on Jetty 1 will host a number of performers. Through the use of 3D projection mapping technology and light simulation, the stage will become a form of entertainment in itself.
First on stage at 6pm and injecting a light note to the evening, will be the comedian duo Rob van Vuuren and Martin Evans from Pants on Fire.
Next up at 6.30pm is the band Early Hours, followed by urban-afro-pop group The Rudimentals, and Freshly Ground. Then there will be a 10-minute teaser of fireworks. Prime Circle will take the festivities through to the midnight countdown. Cape Town music sensation, GoodLuck will then ensure that 2014 gets off to a cool start, taking the party through till 2am.
Getting to the V&A Waterfront has never been easier. The city is coming to the party by extending the MyCiti bus service to and from the Waterfront until 1am. And for those revellers who would prefer to welcome in the dawn, the first bus of 2014 will run from 6.05am.
Info: www.waterfront.co.za
* The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve gala at Nederburg wine farm in Paarl. Richard Cock is once again on the podium, and the line-up includes the rich, silky sounds of the dazzling Afro-soul singer, Lira.
Treat yourself to a selection of wood-fired, crispy-baked sourdough pizzas, generously stacked with a assortment of meat, fish and vegetarian fillings, and prego rolls plus a choice of delectable sweet desserts, all affordably priced and prepared by the chef at the Red Table Restaurant or pack your own picnic basket to enjoy at your leisure.
No alcoholic beverages may be brought on to the premises but Nederburg wines, soft drinks, mineral waters, tea and coffee will be on sale. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, tables, blankets and cushions.
The concert begins at 9.30pm and gates will open at 5pm to allow everyone enough time to choose a picnic spot on the sprawling lawns surrounding the manor house. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
Concert tickets are R250, and R150 for those between 12 and 18 years of age. Bookings at www.computicket.com
* Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town. The annual street party goes bigger and better this year with Glen Lewis, Fistaz, Spectacula, Naves, Justice and Ashton Ables on the DJ bill. General entry tickets are R130 if booked through the hotel but if bought at the door they are R150. General entry gives you access to the “launch pad” which includes the outside area and bar. The VIP package is R300 if booked through the hotel but if bought at the door they are R350, this allows you access to the public downstairs area as well as the VIP bar and toilets. The next level VVIP tickets allow you access to the pool deck and you will be given a complimentary bottle of bubbly and snacks on arrival. Doors open at 10pm. E-mail reservations@fireandicehotel. com for general entry and VIP tickets but for the VVIP packages e-mail [email protected]
* For more New Year’s Eve parties and events see this Friday’s Top Of The Times.