Franschhoek Bastille Festival turns 21!

Viva la France, viva la Franschhoek! This year marks a major milestone as the Franschhoek Bastille Festival turns 21! Join us at the festival on 12 and 13 of July.

A highlight of this year’s festival will be a performance by a troupe of 10 Seychelles dancers and musicians who will take part in the street parade, and will also perform in the Food and Wine Marquee on both days. Not only will they be performing but they will also be judging the Best Seychelles Dance as performed by keen festival goers. The prize for the best performance is two return tickets to Seychelles (departing from Johannesburg), courtesy of Air Seychelles. The prize also includes six nights’ accommodation in the Seychelles, courtesy of Eden Island Development Company (Seychelles) Limited. This prize will be awarded on Saturday and Sunday. A highlight not to be missed!

The Food and Wine Marquee, THE meeting place, is where you will find fabulous wine and food, created by some of the Valley’s celebrated winemakers and chefs. This year the marquee has moved to the Huguenot Monument grounds with its gorgeous backdrops and parking within walking distance.

As always the town will be a hive of activities which include the popular Franschhoek Boules Tournament, the Solms-Delta Parade and the Barrel-Rolling Competition.  Other favourite attractions are the Farmers Markets in the Town Hall and the Church grounds, with musicians and carnival performers adding to your festival experience.

Entrance tickets to the Food and Wine Marquee, which can be booked directly through www.webtickets.co.za, cost R200 per person for the 21st Birthday Celebration on Saturday. Tickets for Sunday cost R180 person, which promises a more relaxed atmosphere. A discounted rate of R150 per person applies if you book a table of 10 (Sunday only). All ticket prices include a complimentary tasting glass, a R20 voucher for purchase of a bottle of wine in the marquee as well as a booklet of tasting coupons. Additional coupons can be purchased on the day. Booking is essential as tickets are limited. Once the marquee is full no more visitors will be admitted.

So, dust off your berets and dress up in your finest red, white and blue for one of this year’s social calendar highlights!