NQWEBA- The annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees has once again proven to be a resounding success, attracting thousands of festival-goers to the Sundays River Valley from 27-29 June 2025. Despite the challenges posed by finding a new venue, the community came together to transform a patch of veld into a vibrant festival village in less than two months.
Festival director Jenni Honsbein expressed her delight at the numbers, highlighting the importance of showcasing the country’s hidden gems and diversifying its tourism offerings. “Festivals such as the Wildsfees help raise the profile of ‘less visited’ provinces like the Eastern Cape,” she said.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille praised the Wildsfees for its unique blend of wildlife, culture, and community celebration. “The Wildsfees is truly a community festival that showcases what tourism should be – inclusive, educational, and joyful,” she said.
The festival’s success was made possible by the tireless efforts of the community, who rallied together to create the festival village.
Local businesses provided advice, equipment, and supplies at reduced costs or free of charge, while the traffic department, SAPS, and municipality offered invaluable support.Furthermore, a community initiative two weeks prior to the festival saw residents from all demographics come together to spruce up the town, painting rubbish bins, cleaning verges, and picking up litter. NGOs and sports clubs that have benefited from the Wildsfees in the past also contributed their time and energy.
In addition, the annual Kirkwood Wildlife auction raised an impressive R12.6 million, including VAT, with a black rhino bull selling for R170,000 and four male buffalo fetching R155,000 each.
The Wildsfees has once again demonstrated its importance to the community and its potential to drive tourism in the Sundays River Valley.
PHOTO CAPTION: Aerial views of the 2025 SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees showcase the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, with thousands of festival-goers enjoying the wildlife, culture, and community celebrations.
Photographer: Yandré Tibshraen
30 June 2025
