Carols by Glow-Stick

One of the key indicators that it is Christmas in Cape Town is the annual Carols by Candle Light at Kirstenbosch. For those of you who were in a school choir (or enjoy singing in the shower..) it's a good time to dust off ye olde vocal chords. Unfortunately they are no longer using candles due to the mess this makes on the grass and pathways. Instead, you get a glow-stick with your song sheet.

Presented by Kirstenbosch Rotary, Carols at Kirstenbosch is now in it's 20th year and with Pick 'n Pay as it's main sponsor, it is a very well run, family friendly evening. Pick 'n Pay even had a stand where you could buy food and drinks.

I recommend getting there early so that you can secure a decent spot and also get to witness the pre-carols entertainment. I went on Friday evening with my sister, brother-in-law and friend and it was good fun.
I managed to catch the whole of The Brothers Streep's set, which is a laugh a minute. This Cape Town based acoustic comedy band is not only really talented, but it's hilarious too. They're doing New Years at the Brass Bell this year, so if you're not doing anything, head on down to Kalk Bay and enjoy. (You might also have seen them on The Graham Norton Show playing Anna Paquin)

It was an absolutely stunning day in Cape Town on Friday, perfect for a picnic, some bubbles (or your choice of poison) and some good old caroling.

Important to get a good spot

Make sure you get your song sheet

As mentioned, this was the 20th year of Carols at Kirstenbosch. The proceeds go to Kirstenbosch Rotary's many projects and beneficiaries. Being a former Interactor (Junior Rotary..I was president in my matric year) it's always good to support the Rotarians.

Service Above Self

Kirstenbosch Rotary's Beneficiaries

There is one important decision to make once you get settled. When it comes to singing Mary's Boy Child, are you going to follow the choir, or are you going to choose to sing the Boney M version. If you look at the lyrics below, you'll see that they make the decision easy. It has to be the Boney M version.

Them see a bright new shining star

My peeps

Glorious Cape Town Sunset

The Nativity is quite cute as well, as it is enacted by children from local schools.

Nativity Scene

More Nativity Scene

The evening ends off with a rendition of Silent Night, made even more amazing as everyone waves their glow-sticks back and forth in unison. It is an awesome sight (and I mean awesome)

After the carols end, it is always a mad rush to get to your car and get out before the masses..but that never works. We decided to avoid the stampede and have a drink at Moyo at Kirstenbosch. Not only is it a nice setting, but by the time we were done, our cars were the last ones in the parking lot. Perfect.

So, make sure that next year you keep your calender clear for Carols at Kirstenbosch. It's a good evening out. Remember, there are no bins in Kirstenbosch, so take your trash with you.
That's all from me.

N.