According to the Oxford Dictionary the definition of recreation is an: “Activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.” This dictionary will be well advised to include the much-revered Leisure Isle Festival into its definition, as year after year the festival has provided enjoyment to the thousands that have visited it.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Sotheby’s International Realty Knysna, locals and visitors can once again look forward to a jam-packed Leisure Isle Festival on the weekend of November 7 and 8. This year’s Festival (fondly known as “Treasure Island”) will once again provide them with ample opportunity to stock up on Christmas shopping, wining, dining and let’s not forget the top notch entertainment provided at the festival ground, Kingsway Park, Leisure Island.
“Once again Knysna Tourism is proud to endorse this successful local festival and look forward in working hand in hand with Roger and his committee in ensuring that the festival receives the attention it deserves,” said Greg Vogt, Knysna Tourism CEO.
For the past 13 years this community driven festival has provided locals with the opportunity to purchase locally produced goods while supporting an all-important fundraising drive in doing so. “Last year, we raised R191 00 for the participating charities. I have been told that second to the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, the Leisure Isle Festival raises more for local charities than any other festival staged in the Knysna calendar. said Roger Voysey, Leisure Isle Festival convener.
This year’s Festival charity beneficiaries are Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS), e’Pap Children Feeding Scheme, Knysna/Sedgefield Hospice, Steenbok Nature Reserve, Vermont Old Age Home and Hands and Hearts Centre – incorporating Emzini.
The Festival organising committee, Roger Voysey, Bob Hunt, Chris Kay, Lorr Scanlen, Niall Johnston, Peter Godsell, Peter Smith and Sheena Mare have been hard at work to ensure the 2015 Leisure Isle Festival outshines all previous festivals.
“This year the Festival has gone back to its original roots and included the arts and show gardens. We scouted around the Island and chose six gardens to showcase during the festival. We have further incorporated a new area to showcase traditional Arts & Crafts in the Park,” said Voysey.
Besides the return of these firm favourites, the Leisure Isle Festival will incorporate a display of well-known collector of vintage cars, Brian Bruce‘s classic cars. “We are thrilled that Brian will be sharing his vast knowledge of vintage cars with festival participants.” added Voysey.
He reassures potential festival visitors that there will be over 100 stalls offering old
favourites as well as exciting new items. “Special efforts will again be made to provide emerging crafters with an opportunity to showcase their products. As in the past, the focus will be on local products and crafts with participating charities running the tea garden, book sale, a beer and wine bar and several other stalls.”
In closing Voysey said: “We are grateful to our founding sponsor, Sotheby’s International Realty Knysna, and Knysna tourism, Leisure Isle Residents Association and the large number of organisations that provide pro-bono services. Without these supporters, the Leisure Ilse Festival would not be possible.”
Booking of festival stalls open online on August 1. Applications may be made on the Leisure Isle Festival website www.leisureislefestival,co.za or via hard copy. These application forms will be available from the Sotheby’s International Realty Knysna offices in Woodmill Land and Leisure Isle.•