Art Meets Heart – A Celebration of Creativity & Community at Plett Arts Festival 3-12 October 2025
A stiff coastal breeze down Main Street on Friday, 3 October, was a fitting welcome for the whirlwind of creativity to hit town with the launch of the annual Plett Arts Festival, welcoming the spring-summer transition and a perfect contrast to a chilled, slow-paced meander to kick start the Festival. With artists, visitors, performers, and neighbourhoods coming together to gather at the Twilight Meander, following a mapped route from one side of town to the other.
Galleries were packed with humans hungry for fresh perspectives, and the most stunning artworks did not disappoint. The Abahlanyisi Dancers were vibing good energy; Wafi the Lunchbox Theatre ‘real’ dog captured the imagination of audiences; stilt walkers somehow remained on top, as the wind tried to topple their delicate balance and the Kranshoek Riel Dancers hit all the high notes with vibrant rhythms, telling stories from modern and ancient Khoi-san culture. Eventually the crowds settled indoors as restaurants, pop-up venues and galleries continued the celebrations. Piped in by kilted drummers and piper, the evening came down, and the DJs at the Afterglow party dialled in the mood for a super-chilled evening.
The programme has been packed! From the Bronze Fields Foundry pouring demonstration with sculptor Robert Leggat and Wendy Oldfield in the forest, to jazz at The Palms at Ivory Haus, Dylan Trulls ‘Walking Backwards in Awareness’ full moon meditation on Lookout Beach, Auriol Hays’ Nina Simone introspective, the ‘Eva Cassidy Story’ and Beezy Bailey and Stuart Dods ‘Perspectives’ exhibition at Barrington’s. Workshops from creative breathing to ceramics, kids cyanotype printing, sun printing, mosaic, charcoal drawing, zen doodling and watercolour techniques. It’s an overload of creativity in the best way!
Voices of the Festival
Abahlanyisi Dancers
This group was founded in 2018 by Constance Mphathi in 2018, to give youngsters in Qolweni who are facing challenges within their communities, an outlet to shine through dance, singing, keeping fit and refocusing negative influences. “Our children love dancing because they are learning their traditional dances, teaching them where they came from. It’s so important for them to be part of the Plett Arts Festival to proudly represent their Xhosa heritage and maybe teach somebody something new,” said Constance.
Breez’n
Entertaining during the Festival at Sotto Restaurant and Lounge, the band based in Plett consists of Kenny Jantjies on bass, Cameron Oraai on keyboards, drummer Joshua Kemoetie and saxophonist Janey Mitchell. Started some five years ago, this crew is a well-known feature on the Garden Route. “The biggest show we’ve played is the Mossel Bay Jazz Festival, and we’ll be performing there again this year,” said Kenny. “Our genre is pop and jazz, actually a little bit of everything, and we sometimes invite guest artists to join us.”
Maphiko Mncedisi Ncedani
His notable works with the Lunchbox Theatre include ‘The Whale Show’, ‘Dogs Life’ featuring Wafi the puppet dog, and ‘The Water Show’. This multifaceted creative is also an accomplished Afro-jazz DJ and motivational speaker focusing on environmental stewardship, spirituality and cultural heritage. “I want to inspire dialogue and action on these issues,” he said. “To build community resilience and a commitment to preserving Africa’s rich traditions and ecological future.”
Janey Mitchell
This accomplished musician (and part of the Breez’n crew) is known for his soulful melodies both locally and internationally, bringing a blend of jazz, R&B, and soul. In addition, he mentors and trains musicians at Bahia Formosa School in Plett and Oakhill School in Knysna. “I’ve recorded with many artists but am currently working on my debut album, which is very exciting. It’s a great opportunity for artists and musicians to be part of the Plett Arts Festival as it allows us to build new and long-lasting connections,” said Janey.
The Surf Rangers Hip Hop Crew
From the vibrant communities of New Horizons and Wittedrif – Mark David, Jasmine Visser, and Enrico Sam, brought so much energy to the opening night. With a passion for dance rooted in the streets where they grew up, this year they wanted to bring something fresh and Plett by performing in wetsuits. “The Festival gives us a powerful platform to showcase our talent to a wider audience,” said Enrico. “Through hip hop we want to inspire the younger generation to show them no matter where they come from, that art has the power to move people.”
Programme & PACUMSA Conference
Don’t feel like you’ve missed out on all the best bits – far from it as the programme is action-packed until 12th October! While many events are free, you will need to book tickets for specific workshops and talks – so make sure you visit www.plettartsfestival.co.za for the full programme.
In addition, the 2025 PACUMSA “The Gathering of the Eagles Conference – A Call to Oneness” will be taking place in Plett during the festival. This cultural and civic initiative, in collaboration with Plett Tourism and IRSKSAAA focuses on unity, cultural knowledge sharing, and nation-building. You can register for the full conference or specific events via Webtickets.
It’s always an epic week #plettitsafeeling! Thank you to our sponsors, Wesgro and Bitou Municipality, the performers and artists and most especially to the people of Plett and visitors who come specifically for this event every year, to connect.
Programme and Bookings: www.plettartsfestival.co.za
