Immerse yourself in a world of botanical beauty, from exclusive gardens to symphonies under the stars at Garden Town Classics – all part of Garden Town this year
Garden Town Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s anticipated garden and lifestyle celebrations, is set to enchant visitors from 25 October to 3 November 2024. This ten-day extravaganza promises a captivating blend of horticultural splendour, cultural richness and community spirit that has become synonymous with Stellenbosch’s warm hospitality.
The 2024 event introduces an exciting new highlight, Garden Town Classics, an open-air concert set against the backdrop of the historic Stellenbosch Town Hall. This addition promises to elevate the experience, combining visual and auditory delights.
Jeanneret Momberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch, comments on this year’s colour inspiration, Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Peach Fuzz: “Peach Fuzz embodies the spirit of Garden Town Stellenbosch – warm, inviting and full of life. This hue also perfectly complements our exciting new addition, Garden Town Classics, where music and nature harmonise under the stars. It reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming environment that nurtures both our natural spaces and our community bonds, offering a multisensory experience that celebrates the beauty of Stellenbosch.”
Key features of the 2024 festival include:
• Private gardens: Visitors can explore exclusive private gardens, offering unique insights into personal horticultural creativity and design.
• Public gardens: Showcasing a variety of plant collections, landscaping techniques and sustainable gardening practices, these spaces provide inspiration for both seasoned gardeners and newcomers alike.
• Workshops, talks and tours: A comprehensive programme of educational sessions led by industry experts will cover topics ranging from sustainable gardening to landscape design.
• Flower parade: The vibrant Flower Parade on 29 October celebrates local harvest and creativity, bringing the community together in a colourful display.
• Neelsie Film Festival: Watch a curated selection of garden and nature-themed films, offering a cinematic celebration of horticulture and environmental themes.
• Middedorp activations: The heart of Stellenbosch will come alive with floral installations, pop-up gardens and interactive displays, transforming the town centre into a walkable garden experience.
• Wrap-up ride: The festival concludes with a cycling event on 3 November, allowing participants to experience Stellenbosch’s natural beauty on two wheels.
Garden Town Classics
Taking place on 2 November 2024, this year’s event highlight is the inaugural open-air concert featuring the Stellenbosch City Orchestra conducted by Dr Paul Loeb van Zuilenburg and accompanying local classical stars including Janel Speelman (soprano), Lynelle Kenned (soprano), Louis Loock (tenor) and Niël Rademan (baritone), who is also involved in putting the concert together.
The programme will showcase beloved melodies from classical, opera and musical theatre repertoires, including nature-inspired compositions. With seating for 600 attendees, this event promises to be a harmonious blend of music and natural beauty.
Garden Town Stellenbosch serves as a catalyst for sustainable tourism, further positioning Stellenbosch as a leading destination.
“Our goal is to transform Stellenbosch into a premier destination for garden, nature and cultural enthusiasts,” says Momberg. “We’re fostering a deeper appreciation for our region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while boosting local tourism and driving economic growth and social cohesion.”
Garden Town Stellenbosch 2024 is supported by Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch Publicity & Marketing (SPM), Visit Stellenbosch and Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
For more information and to plan your visit, please go to gardentown.visitstellenbosch.org.
