This festival of music, drama, poetry and comedy is one of a kind, as residents of the West Coast town open their homes, in particular their voorkamers (front rooms) to artists and audiences.

The 12th edition of the Voorkamerfest will take place from Friday, 4 to Sunday, 6 September. This year’s festival plays host to 21 artists from South Africa, the Netherlands and Namibia, and boasts a line-up of varied entertainment, including African jazz, a woodwind band, folk music, Yiddish music, caberet, dance, theatre, stand-up comedy, Afrikaans hip-hop and Dutch theatre.

The different performances will be showcased in 21 separate venues. From African rhythms to Dutch drama, Afrikaans poetry to razor sharp stand-up comedy, it’s all on the bill – and in the lounge. The homes will be equally diverse, ranging from Victorian to township homes.

Part of the appeal is the adventure. Visitors purchase a ticket which will take them on a mystery route through Darling. The ticket price includes transport via taxi and three concerts of 30 minutes each in three different homes.

Each venue will only take a maximum of around 22 people, so intimacy and genuine hospitality on behalf of the homeowners are guaranteed. Venues and artists remain a surprise until you arrive on the doorstep.

The festive atmosphere of the Voorkamer weekend will be enhanced by entertainment at the Arts, Crafts and Food Fair at Evita se Perron. It will offer an array of famous local artisan produce.

Each one of the seven taxi routes will depart from Evita se Perron and the restaurant and bar will be serving light meals and drinks. Local taxis will be transporting the audiences to the various voorkamers on Friday at 17:00, Saturday at 12:00 and 17:00 and Sunday at 12:00.

To purchase tickets, email [email protected].

For more information, visit www.voorkamerfest.co.za. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.