Umhlanga Summer Carnival

November 16, 2011. Umhlanga Tourism, with the assistance of Makulu Events and their key sponsors, MTN, Castle Lite, Liqui-Fruit and eThekwini Municipality have done it again . . . ensuring another top line-up of beach action, shows and events for the Umhlanga Summer Carnival 2011.

A brief look at the highlight of the carnival, shows that if anything, the quality of the programme, which this year runs from December 9-23 – on the beach and in the village – gets better each year.

From December 9: Fun for the whole family every day on the beach, including surfing, beach volleyball, soccer, sandcastle building, tug-o-war, treasure hunt, egg and spoon races and lots more.

Surf star Klee Strachan shows the kind of form required to make an impact at the Lizzard Summer Surf Session

December 9-11: Lizzard Summer Surf Session. Well known top surfers vie for the title and winner’s cheque. Also, a popular and competitive amateur division.

December 18: Umhlanga MTN Summer Carnival Trail Run sponsored by Salomon. An 18 or 12km run and walk leaves from Breakers at 6am and traverses the hills, bush, dirt track, cane fields and beach in the broader Umhlanga area. A highly recommended event for the adventurers and fitness enthusiasts out there. Or, alternatively, take a more leisurely walk and take in the beautiful surrounds as you go. For more info, click on the link here.

Miss/Mr Umhlanga. R10 000 cash prize up for grabs, plus many more prizes. More info from missumhlanga@makuluevents.co.za

Training for the upcoming Umhlanga MTN Summer Carnival’s 12km/18km Trail Run and Walk are Jackie Moore (Salomon Sports) and defending champion Eric Ngubane.

December 21: Carols by Candelight at Granada Square in Chartwell Drive. Shelley McLean will make a special performance along with a talented line-up of young performers. Your chance to make a difference in your community by bringing along unwrapped toys for unprivileged children in the community. Rotary Umhlanga will make sure that these are distributed to the poorest of the poor, many of whom never get to experience Christmas as we know it. Father Christmas to be accompanied by the Harley Davidson Bikers Group. Music starts at 7pm, entry free.

December 23: Annual Street Party sponsored by Castle Lite in Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga. Arrive early and relax at one of the many street-side restaurants. The road closure starts from 6pm and party goes until late. Live music, buskers, plenty of family activities.

Commenting on the programme of events, Peter Rose of Umhlanga Tourism said, “We’re very proud to present another great line-up for Summer Carnival 2011. Many thanks to our sponsors, our very strong partners, including our new headline sponsor MTN. We work closely with eThekwini Municipality, appreciate their support, and also support them, but still like to believe we’re the ‘Jewel in the crown’ of local tourism.”

Summer time, and the living's easy . . . Whatever your preference, there's loads on the go in Umhlanga this summer

Rose said tourism in Umhlanga was in a strong position and, jokingly poking fun at his colleagues in Durban, said, “We’ve heard that Durban claims it is doing better than us in terms of occupancy. Our message is, if we’re full, we can’t do any better than that.”

He urged all to spread the word about the success story of Umhlanga Tourism, Durban and the province as a whole.

Title sponsor MTN was represented by Courtney Gallagher, who explained a little about how the partnership between Umhlanga and the cellular provider came about. “We get so inundated with people who want us to be involved in events, and at the same time, we’re saying, with limited time and resources, where can we be active? We came across Umhlanga Tourism and had an excellent meeting with Peter (Rose) and Caroll Lazarus, and it seemed the perfect fit. We were looking for the top summer hot spots and, guess what, we’ve got the very best.”

Ward 35 councillor Heinz de Boer commented: “Umhlanga represents the pinnacle of what our community has to offer. While there may be a perception that it’s elitist, those visiting the carnival will see that the beach and village will be packed with people from every walk of life enjoying all the best of what KZN has to offer.” – By Ridge Correspondent

For more information contact Carroll Lazarus: 082 901 9288; laz@makuluevents.co.za

Evan Roberts: evan@makuluevents.co.za

Tel: 031 312 1281