The third instalment of the Littlegig 24-hour all-inclusive festival brought together festival-goers who enjoy the fun of a festival but prefer a more relaxed environment where they can mingle while enjoying good music and food.
This is not your usual festival. It comes with gourmet food, fancy cocktails and drinks, and a glamping option (glamorous camping tents that comes with beds, linen and even a private toilet).
The festival took place at the Wiesenhof Farm in Stellenbosch last weekend.
Most of the festival-goers dressed in head-turning sparkly ensembles paired with dramatic headgear, from native American feathers to floral crowns.
Festival-goers enjoy music at the 2018 Littlegig festival. Picture: Juliette Bisset
While at most festivals an “open bar” often means people falling over each other, severely intoxicated, at Littlegig this was not the case. Though the festival tickets gave you access to a premium alcohol, food and even cigarettes, everyone behaved and there was no unruly behaviour. Having no money exchanging hands made for an even more pleasant experience.
Festival-goers enjoy music at the 2018 Littlegig festival. Picture: Juliette Bisset
Another plus for Littlegig compared with music festivals such as Ultra SA and Rocking The Daisies is the fact that it’s more of a lifestyle festival than solely focusing on the music.
The grounds are divided into mini-sections which have fashion and art installations with their own mini-bars to quench your thirst while browsing because how else should one shop and admire art?
Three “chef restaurateurs” were also cooking up a storm, offering paired food-and-wine dining by local winemakers.
Part of Umlilo and Stash Crew on stage. Picture Juliette Bisset
The musical acts also didn’t disappoint either, with a great mix which was accommodating to whatever you were in the mood for. If you wanted to twerk, there was DJ Kenzhero spinning some cool hip hop beats.
If you wanted to chill out, Afro-folk singer Bongeziwe Mabandla was there with his soothing sounds. If you wanted to do the gwara gwara and hit a vosho, there was DJ duo Black Motion, who had us stomping our feet on Saturday night.
Overall, the Littlegig festival is one of the best festivals to attend if you want to experience the freeness of a festival but with a crowd that knows how to be respectful of others, a camp layout that makes sense, and organisers who know how to cater to a wide variety of people to give them a memorable experience.
* For more information visit www.littlegig.co.za