South Africa Blog

Ficksburg is known throughout the country as the Cherry Town, and the two have become synonymous with each other. The Ficksburg Cherry Festival takes place during the third week in November. This is the oldest crop festival in South Africa having celebrated its 41st anniversary in 2008.

Every year, festival activities include cherry tours, a golf classic, a half marathon, cherry product competitions, veteran vehicle displays, equestrian events and beer fests. New exhibitions on the list include a food and wine fiesta. A ‘ready, steady, bake’ competition is always a firm favourite to watch as is the making of cherry mampoer (a South African moonshine).

Well-known South African artists provide live entertainment and the festival itself is usually hosted by a national celebrity. Highlights of recent festivals include an appearance by the Soweto String Quartet and the Lipizzaner horses from Johannesburg.

For a first hand review of the Cherry Festival see: It’s the Ficksburg Festival, my cherry!

When: Thursday, 19 November 2009 to Saturday, 21 November 2009
Where: Ficksburg
Categories: Annual Festivals / Food & Wine
Accommodation: Ficksburg Accommodation