The countdown to the 2010 World Cup is almost over and an atmosphere of expectation has settled over Cape Town. On the eve of the world’s biggest event, Cape Town is adding finishing touches to the grand parade for the opening of the official FIFA Fan Festival in the city.
All 64 World Cup matches will be screened on an enormous 74sqm screen, one of the biggest structures ever to be erected in South Africa and first used by FIFA during the German World Cup. The Fan Fest will be open daily between 11:00 and 23:00 and the entertainment line-up will include headline acts, as well as talented emerging artists from throughout Cape Town.Visitors can expect to see live performances by the likes of chart-topping duo Goldfish, award-winning artist Loyiso, renowned jazz artist Robbie Jansen and Friends, the urban-pop group Gang of Instrumentals, pop and R&B artist Danny K and premier bands Freshly Ground, Prime Circle, Flat Stanley and the Flash Republic, to name but a few.
After six long years of preparation, the big event has finally dawned and, as never before, it’s South Africa’s time to shine.
This is definitely the most influential event in terms of defining the brand South Africa and a successful tournament may help the government meet its goals of attracting $15 billion in foreign direct investment over the next three years and boost tourist arrivals to 13.5 million by 2015, from 9.9 million last year.
The World Cup has generated a national fervor last seen in South Africa when all-race elections were first held in 1994 and when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in 1995. Streets, shops and cars have been adorned with the national flag, tens of thousands of people don the yellow jersey worn by the national team and shops are doing brisk trade in soccer regalia.
It doesn’t hurt, either, that Bafana Bafana have finally got their act together and have racked up twelve straight wins over the past few months!
