FIFA Fan Fest

The Cape Town FIFA Fan Fest will screen all 64 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, free of charge to as many as 25 000 fans. This fan festival is situated on the Grand Parade in the  historic heart of the Mother City.

This area is at the foot of Table Mountain, in front of the City Hall (pictured above) and next to the Castle of Good Hope (South Africa’s oldest building). This is where Nelson Mandela addressed his fellow South Africans as a free man in February 1990, after spending 27 years behind bars for his political beliefs.

Construction of the fan fest area began last week.

There will be a daily entertainment line-up between matches, which will include shows from local artists and bands such as Goldfish, K’naan and The Parlotones, as well as performances from African marimba bands, local DJs and new and emerging talent.

There will be a designated Fan Walk between the FIFA Fan Fest and Cape Town Stadium.

Get more details from our blog.

Cape Town Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato, last week announced that Grand Parade will host “the biggest party ever” on June 10, the evening before the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ kicks off.

Find the entertainment portal for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Africa's Biggest Soccer Party

The Cape Town International Convention Centre will host Africa’s Biggest Soccer Party from June 11 until July 12. The event is being managed by hospitality company, Global Icons, and British events company, Cool Britannia.

Between noon and the early hours of the following morning, those who attend the festival will be able to watch matches live on one of six big screens, watch top local and international musicians and enjoy after-parties, sheltered from the winter cold under the convention centre’s roof.

It has been confirmed that legendary DJ Fatboy Slim will perform on Friday, June 18, after England play Algeria at Cape Town Stadium. Other artists confirmed so far include Dizzee Rascal and DJ Steve Sutherland.

Get more information about times, ticket prices and directions.

More 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Entertainment

Cape Town has numerous venues where football fans can enjoy live 2010 FIFA World Cup™ matches and festivities.

In addition to the FIFA Fan Fest and Africa’s Biggest Soccer Party, there will be big screens and live entertainment at four designated public viewing areas in locations outside Cape Town, including Bellville, Khayelitsha, Athlone and Swartklip.

There will also be venues at the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay and Long Street.

For more information, see our entertainment section, or call Cape Town Tourism on +27 21 487 6800.

Safety and Security

The South African Police Services (SAPS) assure the safety of South Africans and tourists alike during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

General Bheki Cele, South Africa’s National Commissioner of Police, recently announced that 44 000 police officers would be allocated specifically to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, assisted by police from around the world, in partnership with Interpol.

He added that the security teams for all participating nations had given South Africa’s preparations the “thumbs up”.

To report any safety incident, call the following numbers:

* All emergencies from your mobile phone – 112
* All emergencies from a landline – 107
* South African Police Service (SAPS) – 10111

Get more safety and security tips from Cape Town Tourism’s 2010 FIFA World Cup™ website.

Transport Update

For updated information about transport systems in Cape Town, see the Getting Around section on the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ mini-site.

This section includes maps, information on road closures, as well as information on park and ride services.

Cape Town International Airport has recently been upgraded and is now ready to handle up to 3000 suitcases per hour.

Call the 24/7 public transport call centre on 0800 656 463, or email transport.info@capetown.gov.za should you have any transport queries. They are happy to help. Alternatively, call Cape Town Tourism on +27 (0)21 487 6800 for any queries, or for help planning your trip.

Vote for Table Mountain

Cape Town Tourism has thrown its support behind Table Mountain’s bid to become a New7Wonder of Nature and asks you to do the same. Cape Town is competing with 27 other world natural sites for this amazing opportunity.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu recently cast his vote online for Table Mountain, with the help of Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold.

Table Mountain was initially one of 440 natural sites shortlisted. The final decision will be based purely on the number of online votes each destination receives.

This week, Table Mountain is 12th in the rankings and needs your help to climb higher. So far, around 98% of the votes for Table Mountain have come from outside South Africa.

Vote now.

Cape Town Nightlife

Cape Town’s party scene heats up as the sun sets and locals head out for sundowners along the Atlantic Seaboard.

In summer, the Camps Bay strip is the ultimate venue for cocktails, but is also an ideal spot to enjoy a glass of red wine on a cold winter's afternoon. The Cape Town city centre is one of the main nightlife hubs on the peninsula and offers a real mix of entertainment from restaurants and pubs to live music venues, clubs and bars clustered around Long and Kloof streets. Green Point, Sea Point and Bantry Bay also have their fair share of watering holes, ranging from ultra-chic to quirky.

The V&A Waterfront has an international feel, with pubs and bars inspired by cultures across the globe, while Lower Main Road in Observatory and Edward Street in Bellville boast young and funky nightlife spots, featuring creative décor and many regular patrons.

Read about the top 20 nightlife venues in Cape Town.