A number of exciting initiatives with Montagu tourism significance have been announced and the Festival and Event diary is filling up!

* One of the first big events is THE Langeberg Talent search called “IT FACTOR” IT stands for “Incredible Talent”. Categories are Vocals, Instrumentals and Dance from ages 14 – 25+!
There will be 9 venues in the five towns starting with Robertson Civic Centre, moving through McGregor, Ashton Bonnievale and of course Montagu. The semi-finals will also be in Montagu on YOUTH DAY 16th June. Finalists perform at the Swellendam Canola Festival 10-12th August.
Entry forms can be downloaded and printed from this website (see Coming Events) and are also available at Musiekland Robertson,THE PRINT SHOP Montagu, TOURISM offices or e-mail itfactorsa@gmail.com.
The event os also listed on Facebook.

* In May Montagu will see the MONTAGU MOUNTAIN MANIA return with a tial run, “Extreme 17”, taking place in the Mountain Reserve and Mountain Bike event. Visit the website www.mountainmania.net or call Ilse Esterhuyse 072 125 1854 for more details.

* The BREYTENBACH LITERARY FESTIVAL in collaboration with the RAD Foundation and Friends of the Museum, will see more than 10 S.A literary greats visit our town and present their latest work, sign books, and include historical walks and more, enabling us to showcase Montagu as the home of Arts and Culture in the Langeberg.

*Also part of the announcement is the re-naming and expansion of the Annual Montagu Youth Arts Festival, now known as the M.M.A.D.D (Montagu Music Art Dance Drama) Festival. The RAD Foundation will manage this event in Montagu from 18th – 28th July.
The MMADD Festival will run over two weeks this year to accommodate the inclusion of Ballroom and Latin in the Dance section and in the Drama week, Literature and Poetry. From 18th – 21st the spotlight falls on Music, Art and Dance. 25 – 28th July it shifts to Drama, Literature, and Poetry.
Prize Giving and show will be on July 28th, at Montagu Laerskool.
This year there is to be an added incentive for the Music and Dance performers: the Trophy winners will perform at the Swellendam Canola Festival in August. Contact Helen Gooderson at ruralartsdev@gmail.com or 082 886 8023

* The MONTAGU MAKITI –“Family Heritage Festival” In celebration of Heritage from September 21st – 24th Montagu will present an event in which the collaboration of Business, NPO’s,and Volunteers will present the many treasures our town has to offer. The Festival includes a celebration of music by local and Cape Town artists, and village market, an off-road triathlon event, Montagu Arts Association “Art in the Park”, ‘Paul Kruger’ dinner in Montagu, where the Transvaal President once stayed before the Second Boer War. ”Stephan Welz Antique Road Show on 21st and that is just for starters!
As with the Wacky Wine Weekend, visitors to “Makiti” will be asked to buy a passport, this one consisting of a labelled can since the region is so well known for its canning industry, and will proudly display the “tagline” of “Canned in the Langeberg” ensuring the contents delight and excite the festival guest. Enquiries: debbie@avalonsprings.co.za or helengooderson@netactive.co.za

* October 26th - 28th will see the renowned “Rose Festival” again in Montagu, and the committee will already welcome any ideas , suggestions and volunteers!

The town can look forward to the Festive Season and to once again reflect on hosting the many visitors that we delivered on our promise to “Expect the Unexpected”

For more information or participation opportunities, business owners and NPO’s are welcome to send enquiries to helengooderson@netactive.co.za

For detailed information on all the events, also keep an eye on the Events Calendars of both our Tourism Website: www.montagu-ashton.info and www.montagu.org.za )