The City of Cape Town is gearing up to create the best ever light display for the festive season in Adderley Street, Cape Town.

In addition to the traditional elements of previous displays, this year’s display boasts 12 brand new light installations and a 2010 theme.

The switch-on event on Sunday, 30 November promises to be the best in its 42 year history. At 20:00, over 50 000 spectators will watch as Executive Mayor Helen Zille performs the official switch-on with South Africa’s 2010 mascot Zakumi and other soccer icons.

Six year-old Daniel Petersen from Kraaifontein, a drumming whiz kid who recently returned from a performance in New Orleans, will demonstrate his drumming skills and perform a drum roll in the countdown to the switch on.

There will also be a stage concert at the Heerengracht Circle with local stars Loyiso, Idols winner Jody Williams, Dr Victor & The Rasta Rebels, Dozi, Die Burger U-tune winner Alfredo Prins, Loading Zone, Maphello and Drum Café. 

The concert will be complemented by a dazzling laser light display which will be bounced off mirrors and buildings along the street.

A 2 000 strong carnival parade, including brass bands, a fire engine with Santa Claus, Cartoon Network characters, dancers, giant puppets, stilt walkers, unicyclists, acrobats, a horse and cart with Sasko Sam, Simba, Ronald Macdonald, Mr Pritt, as well as colourful floats, including a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ host city float will move from the Heerengracht fountain in Adderley Street up to Strand Street. A special musical tribute to the late Miriam Makeba, performed by the SA Youth Choir, will include her best known international hit, the Click Song.

The aim of the festive lights is to spread joy by lifting the spirits of local residents and welcoming tourists during the summer holidays. "The event provides Cape Town with an excellent opportunity to test its ability to stage big events in the run-up to 2010," says Executive Mayor Helen Zille.

Roughly nine kilometres have been used to create the displays. Over the past two years, the City has reduced the electricity consumption of its festive light displays by more than 50%, using energy efficient rope lighting.

Both carriageways of Adderley Street and Heerengracht between Strand Street and Hertzog Boulevard will be closed from 10:00 until 24:00. Special parking has been arranged on a part of the Grand Parade and in Queen Victoria and Wale Streets.

Old Marine Drive will be closed from 27 November to 1 December to allow for the construction and demolition of the stage on Heerengracht Circle, Adderley Street. All planned road closures will be advertised from 24 November.

The Adderley Street lights will stay up until mid-January 2009.