The Weekender is back in Arniston (from Friday, 2 to Sunday, 4 December) and they come bearing gifts. This year they will be bringing festival goers an exclusive and intimate comedy stage, the likes of which has never before been seen in this quiet coastal town.
The comedy stage at this year's Weekender at Arniston has been put together by Christopher De Vries with the help of Afrikaans funny guy and Bredasdorp local, Francois Van As.
What makes their relationship interesting is the fact that they didn't meet on Linkedin or Facebook, but rather in a club. De Vries approached Van As after a stand-up comedy show and Van As agreed to help him craft a special comedy experience, exclusively for Arniston.
Even though stand-up comedy has become more accessible to South Africans - Comedy Central on DStv is just one avenue - it is still something that can mostly be experienced only if one travels to Cape Town or Johannesburg. Quality stand-up comedy shows in the platteland, such as the one happening in Arniston, is a rare and precious find.
Each of the comedians that will be performing at this event were specially selected. van As will be hosting both parts of this comedy extravaganza and the band of misfits he has called together includes names like Melt Sieberhagen, Monique Nortje, Westley Cockrell, Justin Ray, Jarryd Pillay and Dugald Pieterse.
For more information, visit weekenderfestival.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.