Experience South Africa in the heart of Isle of Man – inaugural SAFFA Festival launches
17 August 2023
Isle Settle, in partnership with the Isle of Man Chapter of the SA Chamber of Commerce UK, is proud to announce the first-ever SAFFA Festival, sponsored by Standard Bank. This celebration of South African culture, food, music, and lifestyle will be held on Saturday, 23rd September, coinciding with Heritage Day weekend in South Africa. The event will take place in the picturesque setting of The Nunnery on the Isle of Man, culminating in a screening of the highly anticipated South Africa versus Ireland rugby match.
The festival's programme promises an exciting and engaging line-up, including a family-friendly tag-and-touch rugby tournament, and a ‘Local is Lekker (nice)' market, featuring local and South African artisans, crafters, makers and bakers. The Kids Zone promises to keep the little ones entertained, with activities including face painting, crazy golf, lawn games and a cricket zone. Food enthusiasts will enjoy the Braai Day Foodie Fest, featuring South African specialities like a Boerie Bar powered by Ravenscroft and other specialities from Train Smokers, biltong, melktert, malva pudding, and more. The Ultimate Potjie Master Competition, powered by Robinson's, provides a unique opportunity for corporate and family teams of four to showcase their culinary creativity and teamwork in a thrilling cook-off involving a traditional form of cooking in three-legged pots.
The event concludes with a screening of the South Africa versus Ireland Rugby World Cup match in the 'Bok Village' — The Nunnery's Garden Room. There will be a DJ set playing South African favourites in the build-up to the match, creating a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and anticipation.
Says Lee Francis, Chief Executive and Island Head for Standard Bank Isle of Man, “We are delighted to be able to support this event that brings together the whole Isle of Man community to celebrate the presence of African culture locally. As a member of the Standard Bank Group, Standard Bank Isle of Man keeps our African connection pivotal to all that we do, Africa is our home and we drive her growth. It is pleasing to be able to support uniting the energy of our Group’s African heritage with that of our Manx heritage here on the Island, synergising both rich cultures in one place.”
“The Festival is a celebration of the spirit of Ubuntu (‘I am because we are’). It’s an opportunity for the Isle of Man’s SAFFA population to come together for a celebration of the uniquely South African way of life, and for anyone interested in our food, music, culture and entertainment to enjoy a day of family fun in the autumn sunshine,” says Vanessa Naudé, owner of Isle Settle.
Says June Whiteman, representing the IOM Chapter of the SA Chamber of Commerce UK, “This is a long-awaited celebration of African peoples and their culture. The Isle of Man Chapter of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK is delighted that Standard Bank Isle of Man Limited is
wholeheartedly supporting this event and are honoured that Isle Settle has chosen to partner with us to bring the Festival to life. We hope everyone with a connection to Africa will join us on the day and make it a day to remember.”
Tickets to the Festival are £10 for adults and £5 for children aged 17, from 12h00 to 19h00, with an early bird discount on tickets booked before 1 September. Tickets for the rugby screening are priced at £5 for stadium-style seating in rows at the front of the room and including the DJ set, from 16h00 to 22h00. A percentage of the ticket sales will be donated to the Isle of Man Foodbank.
For more information on the festival, ticket purchases, and full details of the activities, please visit Isle Settle’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/islesettle) or www.islesettle.com.
To read more about Standard Bank Isle of Man and view their latest vacancies, visit https://international.standardbank.com/international/personal/about-us/about-standard-bank-international.