AfrikaBurn’s Special Events Committee recently staged the first Parklife, on the 25th of February 2012, at Rocklands Park in Vredehoek, Cape Town.

The day consisted of a family-friendly community gathering where a lineup of musicians performed live from midday to sundown. Across the park a wide range of active participants brought the day to life by being on hand to explain their experiences of and involvement in AfrikaBurn, in order to encourage a greater understanding of what the event and culture are all about.

With approximately 350 people attending, a fine day of show and tell and general picnic enjoyment was had, with live music provided by Nate Maingard, The Time Flies, Plush and The Rockerfellas, who all performed on the back of a vintage Chevrolet truck. In addition to these scheduled performances, added energy and vibrancy was created by the eMzantsi Collective (whose massed drumming and large-scale puppets brought a fantastic carnival atmosphere to the day), rapper Chi KJ and Crazy Dave, whose impromptu cabaret-cum poetry performance on the importance of being responsible for one’s own MOOP (Matter Out Of Place) was a big hit.

The day also consisted of a strong drive to provide newcomers with information about AfrikaBurn in the form of the 2012 Survival Guide being distributed and the community newspaper, The No Spectator being on hand to dish out free copies. An important element of the day saw the message of Leave No Trace being successfully communicated, with the result that Rocklands Park was left spotless after a very busy day.

In creating and managing the event, the Special Events Committee performed admirably, consulting with surrounding neighbours and obtaining the necessary event permits and certificates. The management of Deer Park Café, hosts to this glorious show of community involvement, were pleased with the smooth running of the day’s activities and were pleased with the effect of bringing neighbours and AfrikaBurners together to enjoy a day of good music, good vibes and good times.

The event was an unqualified success, and looks sure to be the start of bigger and better family-friendly AfrikaBurn events.