Sandi Kelly, Norman Rielly (ABI – part-sponsors of the carnival), Revaska Govender umhlanga publicity

The Umhlanga Summer Carnival, arranged by Umhlanga Tourism, kicked off in style this month with a glamorous launch of the exciting events planned for the duration of the festival.

eginning on December 19^th and running to the 28^th, the Carnival will host various beach and village activities as well as the amazing Miss Umhlanga Bonaqua Pageant. Heats for the pageant take place daily on the beach at midday with categories including 6 years and under, 7 to 9 years, 10 to 12 years, 13 to 15 years, 16 years and over, and Miss Mom. Prizes to the value of R50,000 are up for grabs and the crowning event takes place at the street party on the 28^th. The street party (this year themed Calypso Caribbean) is the crowning glory of the entire Carnival and will host the vibrant Umoja singers/dancers, a Calypso steel drum band and all-evening outdoor dining in Chartwell Drive. Other village entertainment includes Karaoke evenings at selected pubs (19^th, 20^th, 26^th and 27^th). Not to be missed is the Carols by Candlelight in the Lighthouse Mall on 20^th December from 5.30 to 7pm. In between carol singing and enjoying festive lights around a Christmas tree, the public will be visited by Father Christmas and a group of Harley Davidson motorbike riders. The HOGS, members of the Umhlanga Chapter at Gateway, often involve themselves in charitable events and this evening is no exception. Each rider will arrive with toys to be distributed by Rotary; members of the public are similarly invited to donate toys.

Leading up to the street party are beach activities which take place on Main Beach daily from 10am to 3pm. The entertainment, games and Ocean Experience are specifically aimed at young children. And the environment is safe too. Safe swimming conditions are paramount on Umhlanga’s Blue Flag beach and lifesavers will be out in force. Organisers of each event are particularly passionate about their involvement and have the interests of the public at heart. For instance, Josephine & Goggles the Goose, who will be singing, dancing and playing games with the little ones, teach children that they are special just the way they are; Ocean Experience, a programme for children aged 6 to 13 years is equally child-orientated. Children will be taught ‘insider knowledge’ like how to spot low tide, what to do about bluebottle stings, and the basics of surfing. The aim of the free 45 minute classes is to instil a love, confidence in and passion for the ocean. And after receiving an Ocean Experience certificate children are bound to feel even more special!

All family members can join in the fun and participate in games like treasure hunt and egg and spoon races, sandcastle building and ice-cream eating competitions, tug-o-war, beach volleyball and hamburger-eating competitions. So, from watching waitron dashes, lapping up lifesaving demonstrations (Sunday 23^rd at 11am), to participating in a Powerade Beach Run (22^nd at 8am), holidaymakers of all ages will have PLENTY to do in this vibrant and beautiful part of the world; this Christmas season be where the fun never sets – Umhlanga ROCKS!