Frequently Asked Questions
Are we going back to the old style of the carnival parade?
Yes! We are back to the classic street parade format, where the show moves through the city streets in a flowing spectacle. The Pre-Parade will start at The Fan Walk in Greenpoint at 6pm on the 18 March 2023.
What time does the Carnival Parade start?
At 7pm sharp, so do make sure that you are in position to view!
Will there be wheelchair access?
Yes, there will be and is limited to the wheelchair user and one companion. Please contact Tatum to book your place on 021 406 3447 or [email protected].
Where can we park?
There is public parking at the following places:
⦁ Heritage Square: Buitengracht Street
⦁ Cape Quarter: Hudson street
⦁ Battery Park parking area: V&A Waterfront
⦁ Breakwater Parking area: V&A Waterfront
⦁ P14: Greenpoint Main Road (approach from Sea Point side)
⦁ Green Point Park parking area: Helen Suzmann
If possible, also consider taking an Uber. Do look at our social media for suggested Uber drop off points.
Are the paying tickets refundable?
No, they are not, unless the Cape Town Carnival cancels the event.
Can we buy food and drinks at the Carnival?
Yes, we have two Carnival Villages which have a wonderful array of delicious food and drinks to cater for everyone.
Carnival Village 1 is situated near Somerset Circle and Carnival Village 2 is situated in the Green Point traffic department parking lot.
What is the event day schedule?
| EVENT DAY SCHEDULE: | |
| 12h00 | Somerset Road cleared for pedestrian traffic |
| 15h00 – 18h00 | Carnival Village & pre-entertainment – see programme below |
| 16h30 – 17h00 | Foam Activation by Firefighters |
| 17h30 | VIP decks and seated stands open |
| 18h00 – 18h30 | Pre-parade: Harley-Davidson Riders Isa Mother City Rollers People’s Post, City Vision and Tygerburger in beautiful newspaper costumes Cape Town Firemen! |
| 19h00 | Opening of Carnival Parade |
| 19h00 – 22h00 | Carnival Parade |
| 21h00 – 23h30 | Carnival Village entertainment |
Who is in the Pre-Parade that starts at 18h00?
Harley-Davidson Riders
Isa Mother City Rollers
People’s Post, City Vision and Tygerburger in beautiful newspaper costumes
Cape Town Firemen!
What are the Carnival Villages and where are they situated?
You will be able to enjoy some pre-parade activities and entertainment in the afternoon from 3pm while enjoying being close to food vendors and bars in our two Carnival Villages.
Carnival Village 1 is situated near Somerset Circle and Carnival Village 2 is situated in the Green Point traffic department parking lot.
There will be a variety of acts on the Carnival Village 1 stage between 3pm and 6pm; Rainbow Academy, Nokwanda RSA, Foxx Academe, The Amazing Magic of Regardt Laubscher, Marimba Jam, Tayla Hunter, Mali Drummers and Helenic Dancers.
AND after the parade, the fun will continue as we have a DJ from 9pm – 11.30pm in Carnival Village 1!
How do we become part of the carnival as a community group?
See if any of our groups are in your community and request to join them. You could also start your own community group and look out for our call for participation in July/August of 2023. If you would like any additional information, please contact [email protected].
What is a lead performer and what is their role?
“Leads” are performers who play lead roles in the performance pieces of the parade. They are individuals that are not part of a community group. The leads create the extra WOW factor by being dressed in beautiful, unique and often very over-the-top costumes and are either on the float or on the ground in the performance area (corridor).
Can I still audition for a lead performer role for 2023?
Unfortunately, not for the Afr’energy carnival. We usually put out an open call on our social media for participation in July/August when we ask participants to fill in an expression of interest and send in photographs. We then invite them in for an audition and then select from there. So, keep an eye out next year and apply!
Are lead performers available to be booked for functions or other events?
Yes, we invite anyone interested to send an enquiry or contact Franco Pascoe on 064 953 6140 or on 021 406 3592 or [email protected]
How can I become a vendor?
You can email [email protected] and we will send you the relevant information.
Do you want to join our Carnival family as a change maker?
There are so many ways in which you can get involved – such as brand association or CSI funding to help improve South Africa. Or supporting communities to offer youth opportunities for positive change. You can email [email protected] for more information.