Port Elizabeth: MyPE - Splash Community Festival

www.MyPE.co.za: The metro's premier seaside event is committed to making a real difference in people's lives by investing in the many skills of the local community.

"The MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival is an event both for our people and the visitors to our unique city," says festival director Glenn van Eck. "It's an opportunity to showcase our talents, adventurous sporting events, wonderful beaches and, of course, our Friendly City attitude."

Van Eck says young entrepreneurs, musicians and sporting fanatics are encouraged to take part in the festival, which offers a range of community-driven and international sporting events, more than 180 craft and food stalls, a lifestyle marquee and free live entertainment.

Various structured sports and activities encourage local youth and school participation, for example the Community Youth Sports Programme that includes beach volleyball, soccer and netball as well the Izani Siqubhe swim.

In a first for the Splash Festival, says Van Eck, a series of open auditions landed 30 of the almost 200 participants a spot in this year's entertainment line-up. "Some of them have never performed live and they will now get an opportunity to showcase their talent alongside top local and international acts."

These performers will also be added to a local entertainment database, which is being put together by festival organisers and is aimed at event organisers, function planners and corporates.

Last year's Crafts in Action marquee proved very successful and will this year house a wide variety of handmade crafts made by development artisans.

Community projects and charities that have benefited from the festival include the Community Chest, Oliver Foundation, Red Location, Age in Action (Kirkwood), the PE College Project, Sinethemba Children's Care Centre and 16 development primary schools in the metro.

"In 2010, we hope to extend this support as part of our commitment to improving the lives of the Eastern Cape community, bringing about change for a better and brighter future," says van Eck.

The Splash Festival, which takes place from April 2 to 5, features 72 hours of live entertainment, beach sports, five international watersports events, kids' activities, more than 180 stalls and a lifestyle marquee.

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