Fiesta expects 15 000 party-goers
It is that time of the year again when thousands of music fanatics flock to Boksburg for the third annual Spring Fiesta on Saturday, September 21.
With only a few days to go, anticipation and excitement builds up among music lovers who look forward to the biggest party in Ekurhuleni.
Last year, the event attracted more than 9 000 people and hosted more than 50 of SA’s top DJs and musicians.
According to event producer, Ricardo da Costa, with five stages and over 60 local and international acts this year, the annual festival is expected to host 15 000 party-goers.
The main attraction seems to be international DJs and music pioneers, Dennis Ferrer and Andre Hommen who will feature alongside some of the best live performers in the country.
However, the first Spring Fiesta (held in 2010) proved to be a little too wild for the residents and businessowners within the area.
This resulted in the Ekurhuleni metro applying for an urgent interdict last year with the South Gauteng High Court, in Johannesburg, in an attempt to prevent the organisers of the Spring Fiesta Music Festival and the H2O events from taking place.
The interdict was not granted by the court, and the organisers of the event were entitled to host the second annual Spring Fiesta Music Festival.
According to Clr Graham Gersbach, ward 92 councillor, after last year’s festival, more than 200 signatures were collected in a petition to stop the parties, which take place at the H2O venue.
“Although it is too late to do anything about this week’s party, I personally feel that it shouldn’t be taking place,” says Gersbach.
He explains that one of the biggest problems with the parties is the noise, but the most disturbing is that of parking arrangements.
“The venue itself has insufficient parking and, thus, the party-goers end up parking on business premises and encroach on the rights of the businesses, consumers and as well as the residents close by,” he adds.
One would assume that events as big such as this one would be good for businesses in the area but Gersbach disagrees.
“The only businesses that benefit are those inside Wild Waters while establishments surrounding the venue, including the motor dealerships, are disturbed by party-goers who park where costumers are meant to park,” he explains.
Paul Forbes, the organiser of the event from the company Tuscan Mood, says that those attending the Fiesta can park their cars at Presley’s, as there will be a park and ride system operating on the day.
Only VIP and VVIP ticket holders will be allowed to park on the premises of Wild Waters.
