Cape Town is set to host its first fully-fledged multicultural, costumed and choreographed carnival on Saturday 20 March 2010.

The entire length of Long Street, from Shortmarket Street to Buitensingel, is to become the playground for the inaugural Cape Town Carnival (CTC). With the central theme ‘Rhythm, Roots and Boots’, this spectacular event aims to mirror the city’s cultural and artistic diversity. More than 2 000 costumed singers and dancers are to fill the street, performing six new Cape Town songs in unison, with sound relays and large screen viewings. Community groups, local artists, designers, theatrical performers and volunteers form the backbone of the event.

The festivities kick off in Greenmarket Square at 18:00 with a pulsating concert, starring popular performers such as Loyiso, Emo Adams and new age hip hop-electro group, Locnville. This will be followed by the dazzling two hour carnival parade from 20:00 to 22:00.

Inspired by carnivals of the world, participants will range from the celebrated minstrels, to ballet dancers, Xhosa artistes and oriental performers. Other participants include various choirs, drum majorettes, belly dancers, soccer players, marching bands, marimba bands, drag queens and pantsula dancers.

The plan is to create an annual event that will grow into a major international tourist highlight on Cape Town’s events calendar for the benefit of all Capetonians. The parade will tell typical Cape Town stories using massive costumes (some measuring four by two metres), men in very large harnesses crowned with feathers, stilt walkers, interesting characters and wonderful props. The event promises to be a feast for the ear and eye. The crowning glory will be a giant float, which is 12 metres long, 4 metres high and 3,5 metres wide. The acclaimed urban artist, Mak1One and a team of illustrators and designers have collaborated on the float project.

Entrance to the carnival is free.

Several large projection screens will be installed on Greenmarket Square and along Long Street to ensure that revellers can follow the kaleidoscope of colour and sound. Once the parade is over, the party will continue at Greenmarket Square until midnight, with the DJ duo Circuswing, performing in full carnival costumes, with jugglers and dancers.

Cape Town Traffic Services will announce road closures and traffic arrangements closer to the time.