It is the ‘Year of the Rat’ in the Chinese nomenclature for 2020 but, in South Africa, it is going to be the year of the biker with no fewer than five festivals scheduled for the two-wheel community.
Africa’s biggest motorcycle, music and lifestyle festival will now be extending its reach across South Africa with Bike Fest SA 2020 taking over five rocking venues. Bike Fest SA, working in conjunction with SA’s favourite motorcycle brands, will kickstart this biking journey with the Jeffrey’s Bay Bike Fest in the Eastern Cape from February 28 to March 1.
“The annual Bike Fest, which originated on the KZN South Coast, has proved so popular we are responding to market demand and taking the festival to another four locations across the country,” says event organiser, Vicky Wentzel – owner of Wozani Africa Events and co-founder of Africa Bike Week & South Coast Bike Fest.
“The festival destinations selected will showcase some of South Africa’s most incredible towns – inland and seaside destinations – and the dedicated event programme will ensure all ages and interests are catered for, from the die-hard biker fans through to the musos and foodies, everyone will find something to enjoy at any of the Bike Fest SA 2020 Festivals!”
Bike Fest SA 2020 is a celebration of the modern biking experience while also retaining its connection to the traditionally explorative soul of ‘old school’ bikers. These family-friendly events are also the perfect destination for those seeking quality music, food and retail stores with a line-up of great biking displays planned throughout the festival. This collective five-series festival will be marketed on international platforms positioning South Africa as a motorcycle destination.
Charl du Plessis of Kouga Municipality said they were positioning Jeffrey’s Bay as a top travel and tourism destination in South Africa:
“This region is an iconic surfing location – the second most famous worldwide – but we have extended the tourism experience beyond this. Our pristine Blue Flag beach is wonderful for swimming and relaxation, while the many seaside cafes, retail offerings and nature reserves make for an idyllic coastal getaway.”
He said the inaugural Jeffrey’s Bay Bike Fest worked alongside the municipality’s mandate of extending the tourism footprint:
“We are looking forward to welcoming many new visitors to this beautiful part of the world. The Bike Fest programme is really packed with a wide variety of entertainment suited to bikers, music lovers, foodies and thrill seekers.”
Local biker, Dean Gilbert, who is involved in the on-ground event organisation, said the Jeffrey’s Bay Bike Fest was set to be a ‘motorcycle wonderland’:
“Stopping in a small town, like Jeffrey’s Bay, and being greeted by the friendly locals is what makes riding so great! We encourage everyone to get their gear ready and experience the amazing biking, beautiful people and attractions we have on offer at the 2020 bike fest.”
Jeffrey’s Bay Bike Fest highlights
- Biker and beach bars
- Power Play featuring Wheelie Machines, an Arm-Wrestling Power Table, and Virtual Reality Bike Racing
- The Kouga Talent Search on Friday, February 28 with R15 000 for first place
- Experiential Energy Zone with a Burnout Pit, Le Riche Brother Stunt Riders, King Donut
- Bike Rocker Stage featuring top DJs and artists including Mean Mr Mustard, Koos Kombuis, Early B, Fatman, Bigggy, Wonderboom, Ghapi, Anton Botha, Roan Ash and Jo Black, as well as the Bike Fest SA Fashion Show & Battle of the Bands
- Street Vibes featuring Street Dancing, Busker Alley, Marching Brass Bands and Scottish Pipe Bands
- Custom Bike Show
- Outrides including the J Bay Explorer Bike Route
- Benevolent Fund charity initiative raising funds through the Mayoral Mass Parade on Sunday morning
Check out www.bikefestsa.co.za to book your tickets and accommodation now, or visit the ‘Bike Fest SA’ Facebook and Instagram pages for all the latest updates.
Bike Fest 2020 Countrywide Schedule
- Jeffrey’s Bay Bike Fest
28 February to 1 March 2020
Jeffery’s Bay, Eastern Cape
- South Coast Bike Fest, Port Edward
25 to 27 April 2020
Port Edward, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal
- Clarens Bike Fest
24 to 26 July 2020
Clarens, Free State Province
- North Coast Bike Fest, Ballito
4 to 6 September 2020
Ballito Beachfront, KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal
- West Coast Bike Fest, Langebaan
23 to 25 October 2020
Langebaan, Western Cape
