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Cape Town's 7 Things to do this week(end)
Christmas market, tarot reading, outdoor concert + more
Latest update: Tuesday, 28 November 2023
Hello December! The festive season is upon us, so we’ve lined up fun, creative, and family activities for you to do this week(end). You could tour a Christmas themed factory, go to a seaside concert, take the kids to a magic show, see your future at a tarot card reading, go to a German festive market and more. Here’s your week(end) schedule.
GO ON A JINGLE MINGLE FACTORY TOUR
Local luxury furniture brand Pedersen + Lennard are ending off the year by welcoming people into the hustle and bustle of 2 Quality Street for factory tours, after-hours access, and revelry. The first 100 guests will receive exclusive discount codes for use in-store on the night or online. There’ll also be nibbles and bubbles, courtesy of Krone and Hoghouse.
Date: Thursday, 30 November; 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Cost: Free entry
2 Quality Street | Maitland | Cape Town | @pedersenlennard | Image: Pedersen + Lennard
SHOP AT A CHRISTMAS MARKET
Yes!exclusive flowers is hosting a German-inspired Christmas market, where you’ll find food, beauty products, stationary, candles, gifts and, of course, flowers and decor. You can even shop for a real Christmas tree from Germany.
Date: Saturday, 2 December 2023; 9am to 3pm
Cost: Free entry
33 Section Street | Paarden Island | @yesexclusiveflowers | Image: Yes!exclusive flowers
PLAY FOR FREE AT PLAYALOT
Join Playalot as they host their very first Free-Play Saturday, where kids play for free for 3 hours. There’ll also be a magic show, led by Keenan Williams the Magician Extraordinaire. All you need to do is pre-book your magic show tickets and food. Options include chicken prego rolls & chips or kiddies strips and chips.
Date: Saturday, 2 December 2023; 7pm to 10pm
Cost: R50 per person (kids and adults); book via Quicket
Shop 33 | Haasendal Gables Shopping Center | Kuils River | @playalotza | Image: Playalot
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO A FAMILY RESORT
De Hollandsche Molen is opening its doors to day visitors for the summer season. Families can enjoy the outdoors with braai areas, a play park, four swimming pools, trampolines and rock pools.
Date: Open daily until Monday, 15 January; 7.30am to 6pm
Cost: 2 and under, free; 3 to 10, R80; 11 and over, R150; book via Webtickets
Wemmershoek Road | Wemmershoek | @dehollandschemolen | Image: De Hollandsche Molen
GO TO A BEACHSIDE CONCERT
A two-day musical experience between the mountains and ocean. Performances will be done on an open-air stage with the lineup including some of top local musicians on both days, like Jeremy Loops, Jabulile Majola, Mango Groove and more. Pack camping chairs for a relaxed afternoon or head to the front and dance along.
Date: 2 - 3 December; from 12pm
Cost: Starts at R147; kids under 6, free; book via Webtickets
Muizenberg Park | Muizenberg | @capeopenair | Image: Cape Open Air
SEE YOUR FUTURE AT A GIN BAR
Modern Muse Tarot is back with another edition of Cursed Thursdays, a monthly event for local tarot lovers, hosted at The Gin Bar. Mingle with fellow tarot readers, and join the tables to have your cards read. This will be done in 30 minute slots. Plus, you get a complimentary alchemical cocktail.
Date: Thursday, 30 November; 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Cost: R180, book via Quicket
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64A Wale Street | City Centre
SAVE ON A HAIR MAKEOVER THIS WEEKEND
Want to do something new with your ‘do, or pamper yourself with a hair treatment? Excentric Hair are offering CapeTownMagazine.com readers some serious discounts on services like hair extensions, hair loss treatments, frizz-fighting experiences and more. Find 5 ways to transform your hair with some of Cape Town’s top hair stylists.
Cost: From R190
Excentric Hair | Sea Point & Kloof Street | onpoint@excentric-hair.co.za | Instagram | Image: Excentric Hair
CELEBRATE NYE IN A MYTHICAL CASTLE
Just outside of Cape Town lies a castle snatched out of a fairytale. Join Sexy Groovy Love as they return to the Castle to celebrate New Years Eve. Explore hidden pathways, magical waterfalls and high castle walls as you dance to the sounds of afro house, indie, techno and more. Kiss 2023 goodbye with Sexy Groovy Love at The Castle.
Date: 31 December 2023, 4pm to 2am
Cost: R1 350 via Howler
The Lichtenstein Castle | Hout Bay | @sexygroovylove | Image: Sexy Groovy Love
GET GROOVY AT THE BEACH
Sexy Groovy Love is back with plans to make your 1 January epic. One of Cape Town’s most beloved festival brands is teaming up with iconic seaside venue, Grand Africa Café & Beach to bring you a 12-hour party. Expect 9 DJs, local and international plus 3-course menu. Get all the details on New Year’s Day at The Beach.
Date: Monday, 1 January; 2pm to 2am
Cost: Starts at R950, book via Howler
1 Haul Rd | Granger Bay Boulevard | @sexygroovylove | Image: Sexy Groovy Love
WATCH A THRILLING CIRCUS SHOW
Zip Zap Circus presents an encore to their festive show VOOMA! With new acts and new performances that involve trapeze, comedy acrobatics, juggling and aerial skills, VOOMA! aims to entertain the kids, the parents and grandparents (and more - couples love it too). See what VOOMA!, presented by Zip Zap, is all about.
Date: 7 to 17 December, 6pm to 8pm
Cost: R125 via Quicket
Zip Zap Dome | 10 Jan Smuts Street | @zipzapcircus | Image: Joan Ward
WATCH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
The Galileo Open Air Cinema is back with over 100 movies lined up from classics like Back To The Future and Dirty Dancing to new hits including Barbie and Oppenheimer. There are four new Winelands venues to enjoy on Saturdays, plus a pet-friendly show. Find out more about free birthdays, special shows and see the full Galileo schedule.
Date: November 2023 to April 2024
Cost: Varies depending on type of ticket, book online through Webtickets
Various locations | @thegalileo | Image: Galileo Open Air Cinema
DISTILL YOUR OWN BRAND OF GIN
You don’t just taste great gins, you get to distill and design your own gin – from choosing the alcohol percentage, flavor profile and colour to designing the bottle. While you’re there, you can do a gin tasting and have wood-fired pizza on the deck. Plus, you’ll walk out with a specially designed bottle of gin at Distiller’s Union.
Date: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am - 5.30pm
Cost: From R595 for standard gin making experience
Distiller’s Union | 156 Victoria Road | Woodstock | @distillersunion | Image: Distiller's Union
TRY HEALTHY TAKEOUT
Sweet and sticky wings, loaded cheese fries, harissa drumsticks, ragout spaghetti, Snickers chocolate bars… what if we told you this could be healthy (and plant-based)? For your next movie night this weekend, why not try Bamboo, a healthy takeout spot in the city.
Date: Daily, 11am to 9pm (delivery)
Cost: From R50
9 Long Street | Bamboo Plant Power’s website | @bambooplantpower | Image: Bamboo Plant Power
TRAVEL TO 560-MILLION-YEAR EARTH
You can travel back through time in an underground chamber that’s the first of its kind in the world. EARTHBOX, a spiritual, geological, and engineering marvel, is open for a limited time. There’ll be meditation and geological tours, yoga, music and dining experiences at EARTHBOX.
Date: 1 November 2023 - 1 May 2024
Cost: From R100
Lourensford Wine Estate | Somerset West | info@earthbox.co.za | @earthboxcapetown | Image: EARTHBOX/Gary van Wyk
JOIN KARAOKE NIGHTS OR WINE TASTING
This unassuming burger joint conceals weird and wacky burgers and special monthly events. Fridays are wine tastings and regular live entertainment, and on Saturdays there’s wild karaoke nights. Plus, every First Thursdays the eatery turns into an artist expo. Find out more about the love-themed burgers at this inner city hangout.
Date: Thursday to Saturday; 12am - 10pm
Cost: Varies, book karaoke or wine tasting via Quicket
16 Loop Street | Cape Town City Centre | @love_is_burgers | Image: Love Is
KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH A FESTIVAL
Wolfkop Weekender’s Lilo River Flow is Western Cape’s midsummer dream, with happy campers, music, dancing and a whole lot of lilos. And this year it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary. Here’s 10 things you should know + how to get tickets to Lilo River Flow in 2024.
Date: 18 - 22 January 2024
Cost: From R750
Wolfkop Camping Villages | Citrusdal | @wolfkopweekender | Image: Wolfkop Weekender
VISIT A GLASS MUSEUM
Whether you’re a fan of glass art or simply looking for a beautiful place to visit, you won’t regret stopping by the Glass Museum at Glenelly Estate! Home to one of the largest privately-owned glass collections in the world, see over 600 pieces of glass in Stellenbosch and the best part? It’s free.
Date: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am to 5pm & Sundays, 10am to 3pm
Cost: Free
Glenelly Estate | Stellenbosch | @glenellyestate | Image: Glenelly Estate
ENJOY AN ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BRUNCH
Treat your family or friend group to an all-you-can-eat buffet every weekend. There’s something of everything – cereals, fruit salads, artisan cheeses, waffles, freshly baked bread, omelettes and croissants, in addition to the regular menu. It’s on every Saturday and Sunday at Café Extrablatt.
Date: Saturdays, 9am -12pm; Sundays, 9am–2pm
Cost: Saturdays, R139.90; Sundays, R159.90
Exhibition Building | Green Point | 021 434 3759 | @extrablattcapetown | Image: Lara van Zyl
TRY SUNSET YOGA
Here’s something fun to try after work. Enjoy sunset yoga every Tuesday for free. Yogi Ingrid hosts a weekly in the Neighbourgood building on Loop Street. Everyone is welcome to join, no matter your level of experience. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people in the city. The class is one hour, and everyone meets in the lobby of Neighbourgood before class.
Date: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Cost: Free; book your slot via Quicket
Neighbourgood | Loop Street | @neigbourgood_sa | Image: Neighbourgood
ENJOY AFFORDABLE COMEDY EVERY TUESDAY
Comedy on Kloof hosts an affordable, weekly stand-up comedy night. At just R40 a ticket, this is some of the most affordable comedy in Cape Town. Promoting a queer-friendly space, this weekly comedy night offers talent in both popular comedians and rising stars.
Date: Every Tuesday, 8pm to 10pm
Cost: R40, book via Quicket
66 Kloof Street | Gardens | @comedyonkloof | Image: Comedy on Kloof
WATCH DUCKS PARADE ON A WINE FARM
An affordable outing for the whole family. In an effort to farm sustainably, Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate uses 1 000 Indian Runner Ducks to parade around the estate and eat any snails and bugs. Take the kids to the free duck parade, and after enjoy a meal at Chef Bertus Basson’s Geuwels Restaurant or Clara’s Barn, a restaurant in the oldest barn in the Western Cape.
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday; between 8am and 10am or 11am and 1pm
Cost: Parade, free; Guided tours starting at R40
Stellenbosch | @vergenoegd_low_wine_estate | Image: @saltysn0w
CAMP AT JAM-PACKED FAMILY FESTIVAL
Every year, there's a magical weekend in Citrusdal where kids can fully embrace their true selves, and adults rediscover their inner-child. Think 3 days filled with crafts, games, river swims, kayaks, live music, sleeping beneath the stars. Get your tickets for Wolfie Family Festival now.
Date: 8 - 10 March 2024
Cost: From R293
Wolfie Family Festival | Keerom Street | Citrusdal | 076 017 4905 | howl@wolfie.co.za | @wolfiefamilyfestival
PLAY AN ESCAPE GAME EVERY FRIDAY
60 minutes of pure adrenaline, problem-solving and bonding. There are few things as thrilling as a HintHunt escape game. HintHunt Africa offers an immersive and fun escape-room experience that’s great for friends, family and colleagues. The rules are simple: Pick a kick-ass team, solve the clues and escape within the hour. Here are our tips and tricks on how to play your best game.
Date: Every Friday, 10am - 8.30pm
Cost: From R150 - R315pp, book here
Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | 076 187 2764 | @hinthuntafrica | Image: HintHunt Africa
GO TO A CITY MARKET
St George’s Market has officially reopened in Cape Town inner city. Every Thursday locals and tourists can explore the historic ambience of the inner city, while grabbing lunch from spots like Seven Colours Eatery. There are a number of local vendors, vintage clothes and more.
Date: Every Thursday, 11am - 3pm
Cost: Free
138 St Georges Mall | Cape Town | Facebook | Image: St George’s Market
GO ON A MIDWEEK RETREAT WITH FRIENDS
It’s time to get that WhatsApp group together…This retreat in a secret ancient valley, outside Citrusdal, is just the midweek timeout you and your buddies need to reconnect with nature. Book out the main house with a pizza oven or pair up in cosy cottages with jacuzzis or glamp tents. Plus, there’s loads to do as a group at Cederkloof Botanical Retreat.
Date: Open daily
Cost: From R750pp per night
R303, | Regional Road (The Baths) | Citrusdal | Website | @cederkloof | Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
VISIT AQUARIUM FOR FREE ON YOUR BDAY
The Two Oceans Aquarium offers a special gift to all South African citizens – free entry on your birthday, plus six days thereafter. This gives you a whole week to do one of the city’s most magical experiences. Find out how it works + discover 14 secrets to unlock during your next visit.
Date: Monday to Sundays, 7am to 10pm
Cost: Free entrance
Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | aquarium@aquarium.co.za | @2OceansAquarium | Image: Lara van Zyl
BRUNCH FOR UNDER R100 IN SEA POINT
Mischu sits along vibrant Regent Road: It’s the pit stop before you meet with your running club or for a long brunch with friends. There’s daily food specials, like breakfast under R100 and lunch for R50. Discover why you might add mischu to your must-visit list.
Date: Specials are available everyday
Cost: From R95 for breakfast and coffee; from R50 for lunch (any warm bowl)
mischu | 85 Regent Road | 021 439 3944 | @mischucoffee | Website | Image: mischu
STAY SOMEWHERE SPECIAL
Amina is filled to the brim with colour, vintage finds, antique furniture and special art. Once a house in Bo-Kaap, it has been renovated to a 5-bedroom boutique hotel that is estimated to be 160 years old. Just a 10 minute walk from Bree and Buitengracht Street, it’s the spot for a staycation or unique group getaway.
Cost: From R1 000 to R2 200, depending on season 
16 Whitford Street | Bo-Kaap | 084 418 1879 | aminahotel@royva.com | @stayatamina | Image: Amina Boutique Hotel
BOOK A TRIP TO THIS HISTORIC FARMHOUSE
Mardouw Country House is a Swellendam gem on a 1000-hectare olive farm. Renovated from a nineteenth century farmhouse, it has a golf range, flowedge pool, mountain biking and hiking trails… Plus, all meals are included (even three-course dinners) at Mardouw Country House.
Cost: R13 000 per night (sleeps 10 people)
R60 | Swellendam | 023 616 2999 | Website | Image: Mardouw Country House
DINE IN AN ART GALLERY (ONLY SEATS 30)
Rose’s Table is a new pop up dining experience in Cape Town – and it only happens once a month at RED! Gallery. Join on First Thursdays for canapés and wine or book the full affair for a 4-course experience with wine pairings on First Fridays.
Date: Every First Thursday and First Friday; from 6pm
Cost: R150 for First Thursdays; R885 for First Friday
76 Wale Street | CBD | 083 987 5040 | @roses_table_restaurant | Image: Rose’s Table
JOIN CAPE TOWN’S CANNABIS CLUB
If you’re a cannabis-enthusiast or curious to try the product, you’ll love frequenting this club. It’s like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, if Willy Wonka was a geek for marijuana. Cannibisters is Cape Town’s first legal cannabis club, with more than 85 strains, an in-house medicinal cannabis practitioner and a coffee bar. Find out how to become a member.
Date: Open daily, 10am - 9pm
Cost: R100 monthly membership fee
65 Regent Road | Sea Point | 066 344 3012 | high@cannibisters.com | Image: Lara van Zyl
VISIT THIS WORKING APPLE FARM
Apple-shed-turned-country-café, fresh wholesome food, apple picking, yoga… need we say more? If you’re thinking of taking a drive this weekend, we recommend Cheverells Farm in the Elgin Valley. Grab a fresh salmon bowl, try apple picking, or stay over: There’s plenty to do at Cheverells Farm.
Cheverells Farm Shed is open: Wednesday to Sunday, 8am to 3pm
Cost: Varies
Cheverells Farm | 55 Highlands Road | 060 861 104 | cheverellsfarm@gmail.com | @cheverellsfarm
TRY A CRAFT BEER TASTING
Whether you’re losing your beer-ginity or have been drinking brews for years, here’s a fun activity for the weekend. Taste up to nine craft beers, all named after sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll, while eating burgers or schnitzels in a German-style beer hall. Or try something different and go for a small-batch brew on Thursdays, all at Woodstock Brewery.
Date: Daily; 12pm - 10pm
Cost: R10 a tasting
252 Albert Road | Woodstock | 021 203 3045 | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery
RELIVE BEACH MEMORIES AT THIS ONRUS RESTAURANT
With loaded hotdogs, beach toys and stunning lagoon views, Milk on the Beach is a great spot to visit with the kids. Milk also has kombucha cocktails and sushi, and the deck overlooking Onrus lagoon makes it a great sundowner spot.
Milk on the Beach is open: Monday to Saturday, 8am - 9pm; Sunday, 8am - 8:30pm
Cost: Varies
1 Atlantic Drive | Onrus River | 028 316 1516 | @milk_onthebeach | Image: Milk on the Beach
VISIT A FLEA MARKET THIS SUNDAY
The Muizenberg Flea Market has been in existence for the last 34 years. It has over 300 stalls that sell everything from Cape Malay food and mielies in a cup to underwear and brass decor. And best part of all, you always leave with a bargain when you visit this Sunday market.
Date: Every Sunday, 8am-6pm
Cost: Free entry
Muizenberg Flea Market | Sunrise Circle | Muizenberg | Facebook | Image: Mark Schultz
ENJOY THESE SPECIALS EVERY WEEKDAY
From the brewery that brought you sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll beers – get 2-for-1 burgers, a sizzling sharing platter, curry special and more. The easy-does-it comfort food goes well with any of their craft beers. The food specials are on every week, get all the juicy details about Woodstock Brewery.
Date: Monday to Friday, 12pm - 10pm
Cost: Varies
252 Albert Road | Woodstock | 021 203 3045 | @woodstockbrewery | Image: Woodstock Brewery
EXPERIMENT WITH A GIN ATOMISER
Gin-tasting works a little differently when you do it at Char'd Grill. You'll be able to smell different gins through an atomiser and do a tasting of your top four. Being a steakhouse, Char'd also offers rare and unqiue cuts of meat that you wouldn't be able to find at most restaurants. We recommend the Caveman Rib: rich, marinated for 24 hours and with 10/10 tenderness. Read more about what you can experience at Char'd.
Char’d Grill is open: Monday to Friday, 12pm - 9pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10.30am - 9pm
Cost: Varies
Village Square | Hermanus | 028 312 1986 | www.chardhermanus.co.za | @chardhermanus
TASTE WINE FOR FREE EVERY TUESDAY
Wine lover with a tight budget? This local eatery and wine shop offers a free wine tasting experience every Tuesday. Taste and learn more about wine from the region, free of charge + stay for dinner. You can also buy your favourite bottle from the wine shop at Judd’s Local.
Date: Every Tuesday; 6pm - 9pm
Cost: Free
141 Kloof Street | Gardens | 064 527 1272 | @juddslocal | Image: Lara van Zyl
GO ON A TOWNSHIP GOSPEL TOUR
You don’t need to be religious to have a soulful experience at a Sunday church service in Langa. Camissa’s Gospel Tour will take you to church with the community, followed by a walk through the streets of Langa with a local guide. Prepare to sing, move and be moved by this joyful outing.
Date: Sundays, from 8.30/9am to 12.30/1pm
Cost: R770 per person, half price for under 12s. Ask about discounts for CapeTownMagazine.com readers.
Camissa Gospel Tours | 078 657 7788 | @Camissa_Travel | Image: Camissa
BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE AT BIG DISCOUNT
When people come from all over the world to see sharks in Gansbaai they do it with White Shark Diving Company (WSCD). They come to see great white sharks and a big variety of other shark species, such as bronze whaler and 7-gill cow sharks. Get R400 off WSCD’s shark-cage diving tour by using our coupon code when you're booking.
Date: Open daily, from 8am
Cost: See discounted costs on the Shark Cage Dive Tour and more
9 Kus Drive | Kleinbaai | Gansbaai | +27 (0)82 559 6858 | info@sharkcagediving.co.za | @whitesharkco. Image: WSDC
BE ONE OF THE RARE ONES THIS THURSDAY
Rare Gallery offers a multi-sensory First Thursday experience with its art, tattoo studio and luxury couture store. Sip your welcome drink as you explore this funky pop art persona and creative hub with its rare collectables and ping pong table while listening to the buzz of Afrobeats from live DJs. Rare is a perfect First Thursday meeting point, bordering the Bree Street Festival.
Date: Open daily; First Thursday open from 10am - 9pm
Cost: Free entrance
6 Watson Street | Cape Town City Centre | 074 784 2986 | @raregallery_ | Image: Rare Gallery
GRAB A MID-WEEK BURGER BREAK
Sotano’s lamb burgers are popular because they’re good, and also because they have good exposure, considering people flock to the seaside eatery for the excellent 2-for-1 special. Let’s tell you why they’re so good: 2 freshly baked buns, a homemade lamb burger, tzatziki, hummus, avocado and crispy onion rings – need we say more? You can get two of them for the price of one every Wednesday, all day, throughout the year.
Date: Every Wednesday, 7am - 11pm
Cost: R150
Sotano | 121 Beach Road | Mouille Point | 021 433 1757 | @sotanoct | Image: Sotano
TAKE A DRIVE FOR 5 EPIC TEA TASTINGS
Take a roadtrip to the Piekenierskloof Pass to visit De Tol Farm Deli - it’s one of the oldest farm stalls along the N7. Be adventurous and try the most unusual pairings… tea and gin or wine. Or opt for something less daring like tea and nougat, or chocolate truffles. There’s also a tea and nibbles pairing, plus kids can join in on the tasting fun at De Tol Farm Deli.
Date: Monday to Saturday, 8am - 5pm; Sunday, 8am - 3pm
Cost: R80 - R90
Piekenierskloof N7 Pass | Citrusdal | 067 410 3315 | @de_tol_farm_deli | Image: De Tol Farm Deli
TRY VEGAN DISHES AND KOMBUCHA COCKTAILS
At Pear Tree there are plenty of unqiue dishes that you won't find anywhere else (many of which are vegan). Situated on the Hermanus waterfront, this healthy eatery looks out onto the vibrant blue sea. Sip a kombucha cocktail under the trees, or try a tofu tostada sprinkled with nori dust and a charcoal aquafaba dessert.
Pear Tree Bistro is open: Daily from 10.30am - 9pm
Cost: Varies
Village Square | Hermanus | @peartreehermanus | Image: Pear Tree Bistro
BOOGIE TO PUNK ROCK AND WINE
Traditional cheese-and-wine pairings are way too passé for Black Elephant Vintners – it offers something far more rebellious: Join for a sparkling-wine or wine tasting, pop on some headphones and prepare to be blown into a land of heightened senses at this punk-rock cellar.
Date: Every Saturday, from 11am
Cost: R150 - R300pp, book here
40a Uitkyk Street | Franschhoek | 021 876 2903 | Image: Tasting Cape Town (@tastingct)
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FOR FURTHER READING
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Explore these special Cape Town rooftop bars.
Discover 10+ hidden gems in the Western Cape.
Here are 100+ bucket list adventures in Cape Town.
Say hello to 2024 on New Year’s Day with Sexy Groovy Love’s The Beach.
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