Capetonians gather in large numbers for last blast party 

As the World Cup fairy tale draws to a close, Capetonians have started preparing themselves for the bump on Monday when the routine daily grind and normality returns. But that'll happen on Monday... First, thousands of people flocked to the City's World Cup facilities today for one last party, to watch the closing ceremony and final match between Spain and Netherlands at 20:30.

FIFA Fan Fest™

Thousands of football fans shoehorned themselves into Cape Town's official Fan Fest for a final blast of celebration as the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ drew to a climax in Johannesburg.

Wearing the red and yellow of Spain and the orange of the Netherlands, the fans were in party mood from midday when long queues began forming.

Although fans had several hours to wait in the sunshine, the beers were flowing freely while a "boere orkes" kept them entertained. The drone of vuvuzelas echoed around the central city.

A Spanish supporter, Edoardo Goncalves, said he would never forget the month of the World Cup. "It will never die in my mind because I will think about every day for the rest of my life," he said. "I know that tomorrow I will be sad that it is all over, but I will never forget it."

The FIFA Fan Fest™ was at its busiest from 16:30 onwards and by 20:00, thre were over 30 000 people. The Executive Mayor, City Manager, Mayoral Committee and Executive Management team appeared on stage at 18:30 to thank Capetonians for being such superb hosts. Spectators at the Fan Fest were also treated to a canon salute and fireworks display.

As it was anticipated that large numbers of people might come to the city centre to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ final, the City pedestrianised the area around the FIFA Fan Fest™ and erected two large screens on the corners of Adderley and Strand as well as Adderley and Church Streets. Over 10 000 fans could be accommodated as a result.

Our vuvuzela is the biggest

The giant vuvuzela on one of our unfinished freeways is the biggest in the world (well, it's probably the only giant vuvuzela in the world...) according to the Guinness Book of Records. The enormous horn is 35 m long and 5.5 m wide, and was sponsored by Hyundai.

Bellville Fan Jol

The Bellville Velodrome was the most popular of the City’s four fan jols, where fans celebrated the end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in true Capetonian spirit. They came with painted faces and the 'usual' unusual headgear, dressed in yellow, red and orange, and partied up a storm until late into the night. The venue, which reached its capacity of 7 000 people at just after 19:00, proved the perfect place to be, with its indoor facilities and dazzling line-up of entertainment, including “Hola!” – a group of dancers, actors and mime artists who moved through the crowds, dressed in Netherlands & Spanish fan gear. Popular local acts Zebra & Giraffe, Taxi Violence, Circuswing, Delft Youth Big Band and the Abakhaya Marimba Band also had the crowd rocking, and by the time the final ended, the gees was almost palpable.    
 

Vygieskraal and Swartlkip Fan Jols

A good few thousand people were already at the two fan jols by the time the match started, and more people were en-route.

Oliver Tambo Fan Jol

It was a bittersweet evening at Oliver Tambo Fan Jol as fans gathered for the last time to watch the final between the Netherlands and Spain. For most locals, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ has been a once in a lifetime event that will be forever treasured in their memories as the time 'the world came to Africa'. The 1256 strong crowd were therefore determined to have the time of their lives, which by all accounts, they did (and then some!). By the evening's end, most were reluctant to bid farewell to what has been popularly termed 'the greatest show on earth'.

The City would like to thank Capetonians for gathering in large numbers today to end off the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ on a high note and in true Cape Town style and gees. The tournament has sparked many a dream among people young and old - visions of greatness, unity and possibility. Long may the dream live, and may it be translated into a more permanent reality.