Between the 3rd and 5th of April this year, the cosy town of Sedgefield held their annual, well-known festival – the Sedgefield Slow Festival. Although the weather had its ups and downs, the community pulled off yet another spectacular weekend-long event. From the Easter Sunday Parade, to the ‘Anything that Floats’ competition, and Slow Fest Dog Walk, the festival was an all-around hit!
Sedgefield can be found only 20 minutes-drive from Knysna, and is best known for its winding rivers, lush vegetation, magnificent bird watching and mild weather.
The Sedgefild Slow Festival began in 2010 when two friends, Jean Wright and Di Young came together to brainstorm an idea for an event that would put Sedgefield on the map, and showcase its natural beauty. Soon after that Amanda and Mark Dixon and a few key ward councilors joined in, to create what is now one of the biggest events of the year in Sedgefield.
The festival focuses on creating real experiences, bringing the community together, returning to family values and on showcasing a natural way of life.
Main events this year included: the Slow Festival Opening; Anything that Floats competition; Dog Walk, Talk & Show; and the Amazing Creatures & Band Parade.
Sports events on offer included the PiliPili Beer Pong Challenge; Sotheby’s Slow Biking Competition; Family Fun 5km Trail Run, and the newly instated Remax ‘Draadkar’ Race, and Slow Night Golf Challenge.
Arts and Craft events like the Super Saturday Scarab Craft Market, Art Exhibition and Mosaic Mania Morning were an outstanding success, and the Food and Beer Garden keep the crowds well fed and jovial.
The Slow festival was a treat for kids of all ages with a number of events designed specifically for them. These included the Easter Bunny Beach Dash, Sand Sculpting Challenge and Easter Sunday Sunrise Service.
Lastly, events designed to entertain included the Slow Festival Beauty Pageant, the Out of the Bin Fashion Show and the Victorian Picnic accompanied by the Sinethemba Marimba Band.
The festival is constantly growing and developing. Every year it aims to improve the planning, involve more charities, and advertise the products and services of even more local businesses. 
Excitingly, at the end of the festival, R5190 was handed over to the Knysna Animal Welfare Society, a sum raised from the Slow Fest Dog Walk & Show, and Sotheby’s 100% contribution from their Slow Biking Challenge.
Images Credit: @gotravelbug
