Thousands of Sowetans braved the chilly we weather to go celebrate the annual Soweto beer festival this past weekend from 26 – 29 October,. The festival, which has enjoyed overwhelming success and growth since inception in 1999, was conceptualised by Godfrey Mautloa owner of Masakeng Restaurant and Bar in Mofolo.
The objective of the festival is to bring together good friends to share good food and appreciate locally home brewed Umqombothi and over (40) local and international beer brands, in cans.
The festival was created to generate appreciation of the different flavours of beer as one does wine as well as showcase the benefits of canning beer – in this instance, the fact that beverage cans chill faster and stay colder for longer, a perfect combination for any occasion. The taste and integrity of Beer is also affected negatively by light, cans are 100% light proof keeping the product inside fresh and tasty.
There were some fireworks display on Satruday evening, The festival attracted a diverse crowd of visitors, which includes Sowetans, national and international tourists – over 80 000 people attend the four day event. People visit the festival to experience the vibrancy of Soweto and entertainment by local artists. This accompanied by classic Soweto “cuisine” including, pap & vleis, Kota, and magwinya. Visitors were treated to live entertainment, including DJs and MCs from various Gauteng based radio stations.