“A gathering of all these incredible artists all in one place, at one time, for ten days,” said Festival Director Lynette Marais, “makes you aware of the richness of the talent in South Africa. Normally these performers are dispersed across the country and, increasingly, the world. But suddenly, at the Festival, they are all together here in Grahamstown.” At this huge annual cultural reunion, audiences catch up with the latest of the best and artists catch up with each other.

“You saw it first at the Festival” is a slogan that has never been more apt than this year: every single one of the productions on the theatre programme is a South African première and there are seven world premières. The music programme features several major events that will probably never be repeated again with the same casts.

Treat yourself to this 10-day feast of music (from ethnic to classic to jazz to fusion), theatre, dance, exhibitions, films, lectures, children's art programmes, fringe festivals, craft stalls and so much more ...   ENJOY!!!

The National Arts Festival is proudly supported by The Eastern Cape Government, Standard Bank, The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, SABC and The National Arts Council. For further information contact 046 603 1103 or visit the website www.nationalartsfestival.co.za

Further details are available in the free Festival Booking Kit, which will be available from selected Standard Bank branches and Computicket outlets nationwide from April 30. Booking opens on Monday 5 May.