Cape Town’s Executive Mayor, Helen Zille, will welcome South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup mascot, Zakumi, to Cape Town when he joins her to switch on the festive lights in Adderley Street on Sunday, 30 November at 8pm.

Zakumi will also perform on the 2010 FIFA World Cup host city float, which forms part of a 2 000-strong carnival parade.

Over 50,000 people are expected at the Adderley Street ceremony which will emulate the festive atmosphere that will be present in the fan parks during the world’s largest sports tournament.

There will be a 2010 host city float, youth competitions and a dazzling laser light display consisting of various uniquely Cape Town symbols interspersed with soccer images. The lasers will be bounced from buildings and mirrors along Adderley Street.

There are 12 brand new light installations this year offering a kaleidoscope of colour with a strong emphasis on the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Some of the more traditional elements will be retained, but the huge Christmas tree at the top end of Adderley Street will be replaced with an indigenous aloe plant lighting design.

A star-studded line-up of South African artists, including a special appearance by soccer icon, Doctor Kumalo, will entertain the crowd from late afternoon until the official switch-on at 20:00 (8pm). The SA Youth Choir will perform a musical tribute to the late Miriam Makeba.

Other artists include Loyiso, Jody Williams, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, Dozi, Denim, Loading Zone, Drum Café, as well as Alfredo Prins, winner of Die Burger’s U-Tune talent competition.

The Disaster Risk Management Centre in collaboration with Metro Police, Traffic Services, Law Enforcement and South African Police Services will be on standby to ensure a safe and enjoyable family event.

Families are advised to bring picnic baskets, blankets and cushions, and make an evening of enjoying the exciting carnival atmosphere.

The colourful carnival parade which follows the switch-on will start at the Heerengracht Fountain in Adderley Street.

Star attractions include brass bands, drum majorettes, dancers, a fire engine with Santa Claus, Cartoon Network characters, giant puppets, stilt walkers, unicyclists, acrobats, a horse drawn cart with characters such as Sasko Sam, Simba, Ronald Macdonald, Mr Pritt, as well as the Rolling Thunder Hot Rods.

Huge screens at the Heerengracht Fountain and on the Strand Street corner will ensure that everybody can follow all the action on the main stage.

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