Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees 2024: 7 Great Reasons to Go

The 2024 edition of the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees kicks off from 28 September to 6 October, transforming the small town into a vibrant festival playground of art, culture, and creativity.

Dive into stunning art exhibitions and enjoy over 35 classical music performances, including the must-see Klavier-extravaganza and the Charl du Plessis Trio’s Rhapsody in Blue. The Toyota Music Festival also features live performances from South African icons such as Mandisi Dyantyis.

This year the festival’s discussions cover everything from literature to politics, offering insights in both English and Afrikaans. As the festival director puts it, “this is not just an event, it’s a chance to play with new ideas, break away from routine, and embrace the freedom that only art can bring.”

Whether you join for the full nine days or just a few, the festival promises a mix of music, laughter, and inspiration. Check out the highlights and discover all that this year’s Woordfees has to offer.

Discover Woordfees 2024: What to Expect at the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees

Visual Art: A Wordless Journey of Expression

You won’t need to speak a word of Afrikaans to appreciate the visual arts at Stellenbosch Woordfees. Begin your festival adventure with a rich selection of galleries and exhibitions, all open and free to the public.

Featuring works by both emerging and renowned artists like Andrew Verster, Marlene Steyn, and the late Vuyile Voyiya. This is just the start to discover the festival’s full cultural tapestry in the days ahead. Creativity, after all, speaks its own language.

Experience the magic of classical music and live jazz

Get ready to be swept away by over 35 classical performances featuring favourites like Bach, Mozart, and Gershwin, and highlights such as the Klavier-extravaganza. Picture 10 grand pianos, 20 master pianists, and 200 fingers creating a symphony of sound under the direction of Nina Schumann.

The Charl du Plessis Trio will elevate the experience with their blend of classical and jazz in Rhapsody in Blue. The festival also celebrates choral music with six exceptional performances, including The Stellenbosch University Choir, Voces Cordis, The Cape Choral Academy, The Cape Town Chamber Choir, Schola Cantorum’s Die Schöpfung (The Creation), and The Cape Town Opera Chorus’s Horizons.

Your ticket to Sonic Place 20:24, features two intimate 24-minute concerts in local Stellenbosch homes. Enjoy a glass of wine or grape juice, engage with musicians, and experience a unique blend of jazz, classical, and acoustic experimentation.

Engage with Literary Minds: Diverse Discussions at the EasyEquities Writers’ Festival

Engage with literary minds as a range of discussions take place, in both English and Afrikaans. Talks cover everything around literature, politics, poetry, fiction, and so much more. This is an excellent opportunity for literary enthusiasts to engage with influential voices and enjoy thought-provoking literary discussions.

Participate in thought-provoking discussions tackling pressing issues in politics, science, and more. With many sessions in English and some in Afrikaans, these conversations provide insightful perspectives on contemporary concerns.

Laugh out loud with top local comedians

Get ready to laugh with some of South Africa’s best comedians lighting up the Woordfees stage. Kicking things off on Sunday, 29 September 2024, the sharp-witted Nik Rabinowitz will deliver a solo show full of side-splitting takes on South African life. The following weekend, Alfred Adriaan and Marc Lottering team up for Alfred & Marc, a hilarious blend of English and Afrikaans humour.

The festival promises a full lineup of proudly South African comedy with shows like Dik Deurmekaar and Afriksnaaks, guaranteed to keep you entertained from start to finish.

Celebrate South African Musical Excellence

The Toyota Music Festival features a range of musical performances, from open air concerts to musical theatre. The rich tradition of South African jazz is celebrated in a series of jazz concerts. Join Ramon Alexander Trio, the Katemba Quartet with Schalk Joubert, Muneeb Hermans, Blake Hellaby and Pascal Haas, along with exciting new stars such as Melisizwe Plaatjie and the Sun Quintet.

A standout performance to mark your calendar for is the award-winning trumpet player and singer, Mandisi Dyantyis, who will take the stage on the 5th of October. His captivating sound promises to be a highlight of the festival.

Play with Dance and Theatre

Get ready for an exciting blend of theatre and dance at Woordfees, where drama and movement collide in the best way. From iconic plays like Othello and The Return of Elvis du Pisanie to stunning dance performances, there’s a little something for everyone.

How to book tickets

Head to woordfees.co.za and browse the full lineup of events and ticket prices. The festival guide is also available at Exclusive Book Stores.

Whether you’re attending for a day or the entire festival, this year’s Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences to explore. You can look forward to outstanding classical music performances, visual art, and discussions – and immerse yourself in South Africa’s vibrant arts scene.

Cost: Various prices | See here