Knysna Oyster Festival a hit, say organisers

"We are delighted that numbers were up for all events this year," said festival manager Nicci Rousseau-Schmidt, "despite our concerns about the effects of the global economic recession."

A new event, the PnP Knysna Oyster Festival Disabled Fun Event, presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, had 250 entries including wheelchair-bound athletes as well as physically or mentally challenged participants. According to event manager Picca de Bruin, the sponsors are committed to growing the event next year.

Boost for Knysna

Knysna Tourism CEO Shaun van Eck said that the festival had been a major success.

"I'm delighted to be able to report that even in these tough economic times almost every event saw growth," he said. "Moreover, what is really important to us is that visitors stayed in Knysna for longer periods this year, something Knysna Tourism sees as a primary objective for the success of the festival because, if that happens, all our members benefit."

The organisers are also hoping that the amount raised for charity this year will equal or better last year's R1.16 million. "We can't tell at this stage," said Rousseau-Schmidt, "however, if we take into consideration the numbers attending the festival, as well as the fact that there were some new events on the programme, we should do well."