Arts writer
GRAB your surfboard, flip-flops and sunscreen and pack for the upcoming Malkop Festival. This new event runs from December 4 to 5 just outside the small fishing town Lambert’s Bay at the Malkoppan Guest Farm.
The two-day line-up has been carefully curated to offer locals and travellers a wide variety of rock, folk and blues acts, ranging from veteran rock ’n rollers to fresh new bands. The MC, self-proclaimed party-pirate of the West Coast, Ruan Scott, will be keep ‘Malkoppe’ entertained and informed with his authentic Weskus-hospitality.
Aside from the music line-up, Malkop will also host the launch of West Coast Breweries and a surfing competition in association with Kumba Iron Ore, Reef and Billabong. Those lucky enough to purchase a weekend pass will be treated to a buffet at the open-air Muisbosskerm restaurant, which is situated right on the beach and a stone’s throw away from the festival grounds.
The event is family-friendly (even for furry four-legged members) and the camping grounds are situated 100m from the beach. Within a 5km radius of Lambert’s Bay are what’s touted as five of the best kept secret surf spots on the West Coast and the town itself has a wide range of sights, such as Bird Island and the dunes (dubbed one of the smallest deserts in the world).
Twenty six acts on the bill promise quite a mixed bag. Fridays musos on the Main Stage include Gumbo Ya-Ya’s, Gerald Clark, Jan Blohm, Arno Carstens, The Plastics, Riku Latti en die Wasgoedlyn, Basson Laubscher and Dobbelsteun.
Entertainers on Saturday’s Main Stage include Tailor, Akkedis, Wolfgang Marrow Shotgun Wedding, Piet Botha, Marcia Moon, Valiant Swart, Lyzyrd Kings, Koos Kombuis, Sons of Trout, The Young Folks and Nomadic Orchestra.
And up on the Riot Stage on Friday will be Albert De Vos & Marcia Moon, Simon and the Band Aparte, Brand New Colony and The Valley, while Saturday sees the likes of Koos Kombuis, Gumbo Ya-Ya’s, Dobbelsteun, Albert De Vos, Inge Beckman, Brand New Colony and Black Lung onstage.
l See the full line-up at malkop.co.za/bands Tickets: Weekend package: R850 (includes full weekend admission, camping spot and a Muisbosskerm buffet (lunch or dinner) on Saturday. A two day pass is R450 (includes passes to both days of festival (excludes camping). Friday pass is R200 (admission from 5pm), a Saturday pass is R250 (admission from 9am). Book: webticket. See the Malkop Facebook page.