Theatre enthusiasts, music lovers, food lovers, and keen readers in and around Central South Africa brazed the cold to visit this year’s Art Festival at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. 

The annual Vryfees Arts Festival kicked off on Monday (1/7) with various productions and finished on Saturday (6/7). The official opening of the food market was on Tuesday (2/7).

A total of 350 food stalls were exhibited at the festival, way more than last year when there were 75 new food stalls.

“The vibe at the festival this year was very vibrant and good, there were delicious new food stalls on display and new up-and-coming artists performed on the festival stages and theatres,” said Art Market Organiser Atie Kamper.

“Last year we had 100 000 people visit the festival and this year it was way more even though I am not sure of the exact numbers.” When asked for how many years she’s been doing the festival she said, “If I’ve counted correctly, I’ve been involved in the festival for 20 years.”

‘She always tells people to come hungry because there are something for everyone’

“Next year is our 25th birthday, expect fireworks, and expect it to be very big with lots of surprises!”

Kamper always tells people to come to the festival hungry because there are many food stalls and something for everyone – from vetkoeks and venison to shawarmas.

On Thursday (4/7) there were awards for the best stalls in the festival. The winner of the best art stall was Andri Heydenreich with her stall called Heart Insight. She is both the artist and the seller.

“Art is my passion. I have been painting for the past 18 to 20 years. Winning was a huge surprise to me because I did not expect it. It says a lot to us as artists who are not commercialized to be recognized.”

Ambrewlance with co-owners Wynand Breytenbach and John Goetsch was the best outside stall winner.

“People like Ambrewlance because we bring a vibe and a different atmosphere to the Vryfees, it is something that you will never get anywhere, and we have nice alcohol and nice music,” said Goetsch.

The best food stall for the third time in a row was Strawberries and Cream. Owner Emmarentia Kirsten said: “I think people like the uniqueness of our product because it is all-natural, it is the strawberries and the cream and we make all our jams and syrups ourselves.”

The best sustainable and environmentally friendly stall was won by Vrystaat Narsog Sentrum, director of the centre Francois Prinsloo said: “We are very proud of winning this year as a lot of effort was put into building a sustainable stall, the whole exhibit is made up of recycled material.”

The festival presented theatre, dance, and music productions in Afrikaans, English, and Sesotho, as well as literature, sound art, visual and experimental art, and of course fun shows for the kids!

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh