New-look Shellfest offers beauties, music, sport and fun

Jeffreys Bay is gearing up for what promises to be one of the best ever Shell Festivals.

The 2011 J’Bay Shell Festival will take place along the main beachfront of the popular coastal town from 30 September – 2 October.

 “Some fantastic events have been lined up for this year’s festival,” says Kouga’s Tourism portfolio councillor, Virginia Camealio-Benjamin.

A national beach volleyball tournament tops the sports line-up and runs over the full three days of the festival.

On the Saturday the annual Pellsrus Rugby and Netball Seniors Tournament will kick off at the nearby Pellsrus Stadium. A fun run will also be held on the same day from the Fountains Mall to the festival terrain.

A highlight on the programme is the first-ever J’Bay Dive Festival, organised by the J’Bay Underwater Club on conjunction with Bay FM. Up to 1000 divers from across South Africa are expected to flock to Jeffreys Bay for the event which will also take place over the full three days of the Shell Festival.

The Eastern Cape finals of the Miss Earth SA pageant will be another first hosted at the Shell Festival. This countrywide competition aims to involve young women in caring for the environment.

The music programme will feature big names such as Southern Gypsey Queen and the Blues Broer as well as local groups such as the Second Kruisfontein Kompanjie Band.

Those who fancy a shot at fame can enter the Wowstar Talent Search.

No festival is complete without good food and there will be plenty to choose from, be it from J’Bay host of eateries or food stalls at the beachfront market. Seafood restaurant Catch of the Day will also be hosting its first Oyster Festival.

A fun fair, baby competition, the annual Miss Pebbles pageant, a cultural village, arts, crafts and a flea market will round off what promises to be a festive weekend in Jeffreys Bay.

J’BAY SHELL FESTIVAL PROGRAMME 2011

DAILY:

    *  Stalls: Open daily at the beachfront from 9am.

• Shell Park: Shell crafters, shell art, competitions and craft demos.

• Cultural Village: Cultural performances in a traditional setting.

• Fun Fair: Open till late (Contact Joe at 082 576 9455).

• Solid Rock Marimba and Steel Band: Festival terrain

• 2nd Kruisfontein Kompanje Band: Festival terrain

• 4×4 Expo: J’Bay Ski Boat Club

• “Catch of the Day” Oyster Festival: Specials and competitions. Contact 042 293 2614.

 FRIDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER

SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER

 RECYCLE WASTE:  EnviroMan is the Green Ambassador of the J’Bay Dive Fest and J’Bay Shell Festival

J’BAY REEF INFORMATION:  Visit www.africanwatersscuba.com

CORAL WATCH: The J’Bay Underwater Club participates in this international project by monitoring our reefs for Queensland University, Australia.

SCUBA DIVING SAFETY RULES: The J’Bay Underwater Club follows international diving standards as set out by most scuba training schools such as Padi, Naui, CMAS, etc. Samsa boat rules are adhered to.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE: The J’Bay Shell Festival and J’Bay Dive festival supports responsible dirving. There will be road blocks to ensure all road users are kept safe. Appoint a designated driver.