The Festival of Lights which was due to start at the Johannesburg Zoo on Tuesday has now been parked due to the announcement of SA’s move to level 3 of the lockdown regulations.
The organizers of the festival mentioned that the decision was taken jointly by stakeholders which included Joburg city parks and zoo, metro bus services and city power.
The festival which is now in its second year has a sparkling collection of music, Christmas carols, night markets, children play areas and illuminated life sized characters. This festival was supposed to run up until January 3.
According to organizers of the event, the festival tickets had already been sold out for all the days slated, and they even had all COVID-19 protocols in place.
The CEO of Joburg City Theatres, Xoliwa Nduneni Ngema says its in the best interest of all to put a halt to the event.
In his words, said tickets had already been sold out for all days of the event which was initially scheduled to go ahead with Covid-19 protocols in place.
Joburg City Theatres CEO Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema said it was in the best interests of all to halt the event.
“Out of patriotic duty to prioritise the safety and health of our staff members, performers and patrons, I urge us all to cooperate and follow the president’s instructions so we can overcome this unprecedented pandemic. We are looking forward to a healthy 2021 as we have opened bookings for upcoming productions.”
However, the organisers have offered patrons online entertainment by streaming previous editions of the sleeping beauty pantomime of 2015.
The organisers have also provided an option for those seeking refunds, while urging their patrons to support the theater in these critical times by not requesting a refund. According to them, this gesture will enable the theatre to weather the storm and bring more classical performances when the lockdown is over.
