Reportback: Turning on of the Adderley Street Lights

I must say: What a Party!!! Usually, I don't do crowds but this was not too bad. People (besides the odd few) respected your personal space (this could also be due to my size and displeased look on my face when people came too close).

We arrived a little late and managed to find a good spot, just as Bongo Maffin finished off. Shortly after we arrived, Mayor Helen Zille arrived, dutifully escorted by her SAPS bodyguards. The MC announced her arrival and the crowds went wild! Truly, she has many local supporters!

We found a great spot, almost right in front of the massive stage, next to the Adderley Street Fountain. As we got settled, Jody Williams from Idols came on. Hot numbers! ... and her voice isn't half bad either. LOL! Celine (my daughter) was in her element! Dancing and singing along with her. The crowds again raised the roof ... ok! ok! It was out in the open and there was no roof. There were even people standing on the roofs of the adjacent buildings, watching the show.

I must comment on how well the show was organized! With the amount of people present - I am told in excess of 50 000, I don't believe that there were any incidents. This could be due to the fact that the entire SAPS and Metro Services were there! I am wondering if the crime picked up in the other areas???

Then, the crowds settled for a tribute to the late Miriam Makeba, Mama Africa. She suffered a heart attack after singing her hit song "Pata Pata" at a concert in Italy. She passed away on 10 November 2008. The tribute was really beautiful. To be honest, I am not really familiar with her music but the tribute was really moving.

Then it was Luyiso's turn. He drove the crowd wild. He is truly a very very good entertainer. Luyiso has a great stage presence - energetic, with a really good voice! The women all seemed to swoon over him... I also applaude Luyiso for giving thanks to our Saviour, Jesus Christ!

5 year old drummer, Daniel Petersen, took the stage. The 'Little Drummer Boy' doesn't come close to what this kid can do on a drum kit - just 5 years old and he Wow'ed a crowd of 50 000! Impressive.

At around 8:30pm, the Mayor led the countdown to the turning on of the lights (after the MC made an Eskom Load Shedding wisecrack!). The lights came on without a hitch and are truly stunning. We decided to leave and come back another night, to drive down Adderley Street.

I am busy uploading a video clip of the countdown. It will be available soon by clicking here: Video

As we left, the parade kicked off...

Right, so, where does the food come in to all of this? Well, to be honest, I expected loads of stalls selling boeries, hotdogs, candy floss, etc. To my dismay, nothing! Sorry guys! This event was a prequil to the 2010 Soccer World Cup. I hope they have some food stalls there...