Once a year a small town in the Eastern Free State comes to a complete standstill to celebrate a festival named after a giant corn cob. Yip! That’s right, a giant corn cob. The much anticipated VKB Bieliemielie Festival hosted in Reitz in the Thabo Mofutsanya region will be abuzz from Thursday the 13th to the 16th of February 2020.
This year, the festival promises activities for all ages. Festival-goers can join the drinking tents for a cold one, or the vrouesaal for some well-deserved pampering. Hey, even grandma, grandpa and the little ones are guaranteed to have an age-appropriate blast.
The Fees with a ton of gees offers the ultimate fun family orientated experience ranging from live music, plaaskos (farmstyle food) and informative exhibitions.
Here’s what you shouldn’t miss at the 40th annual Bieliemielie festival:
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Music, music and more music
With artists like Matthew Mole and exciting newcomers Sunset Sweatshop on the bill, this year’s live music line up is packed with artists making waves in the Afrikaans music industry. On Thursday 13th February, prepare yourself for performances by Appel and Adam Tas – a double scoop of lekke rich Afrikaans music. Other headliners include Elandré, Demi Lee Moore, Juan Boucher, Spoegwolf and many more.
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Recreational sports
Sports enthusiasts are welcome to participate in golf, cricket, rugby and fishing. Participants stand a chance to win a massive cash prize, so make sure you pack your balls, sticks, bats and fishing rods for these competitions. The Bieliemielie marathon will yet again be a qualifier for both the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons. Athletes, don’t miss this one, as the trails in the full or half marathons offer great scenery.
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Farming machinery displays and exhibitions
The SA Meat Merino auction, youth competition and exhibitions of cattle and goats are still among the stalwarts who attract great interest each year. Prepare to shop till you drop with ample stalls offering food and niceties. Get your thinking cap on as you listen to insights from agricultural experts.
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Bring out your inner child and scream your lungs out in the theme park
The VKB Bieliemielie festival is a family-orientated festival and therefore there will be ample provision for the young ones. Kids can look forward to a balloon artist, bouncy castle and *drumroll* the explosive theme park rides!
Here’s all you need to know:
- Tickets are for sale at the gate or at any VKB branch. You can get a weekender ticket for R250 (R120 for kids under 13), or buy tickets for individual days. Thursday tickets are R70, Friday and Saturday R130 (R70 for kids under 13) and Sunday is for free.
- Accommodation is scarce with just about all of the guest houses in Reitz already booked out. That’s no excuse to stay away, though. There are many other options in the neighbouring towns of Bethlehem, Frankfort and Heilbron.
- If you’re traveling from Johannesburg, the route via the N3 and R26 is the best and quickest option. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour trip, but take it easy on the road. Traffic police are everywhere.
- If you’re traveling from Bloemfontein, it’s best to take the N1 and R707. You should be there in about three hours flat.
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