TRAIL OF LIGHTS ROCK HUNT

DURBAN’S magical Trail of Lights is once again set to light up the Botanic Gardens this festive season.

The organiser, Alene Naidoo, confirmed this week that the popular family event was back on, saying it was “touch and go” whether the 2021 event would take place.

“Last year was such a disappointment, when we had to close early because of Covid restrictions, but we have received the go-ahead from the relevant authorities and barring any major announcements from the president, we are optimistic that the 2021 show will go ahead as planned, starting on December 3,” said Naidoo.

“This has been a challenging year in every way and this year’s event offers a celebratory moment for us all.”

The Botanic Gardens Trust manager Koren Gnirck described the Trail of Lights as “a firm fixture” on the Gardens’ festive season calendar.

“We are grateful that our various media partners, including Independent on Saturday and East Coast Radio, have joined us to bring Durban’s favourite festive event to as many people as is safely possible,” Gnirck said.

“We are all desperate for some year-end relaxation and fun, and that’s what you’ll get at the Trail of Lights.”

The garden will be a dazzling display of thousands of lights, along with festive characters and some charity activations, including rock hunts being organised by Hero777 and the #BrynRocksDurban campaign, which raise awareness of organ donation.

The Hero777 team has been hard at work painting rocks, with more than 1 300 rocks painted and ready this week.

The free rock hunts will take place on December 11, 18 and 24.

Hero777 has designed and created the first phase of a memorial garden for organ and tissue donors.

The Trail of Lights will also have a food garden for visitors and is set to open on Wednesday, December 3, and run until January 3, excluding Christmas Day.

To meet Covid protocols and ensure the safety of all visitors, three entry times have been introduced this year: 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, which will allow for physical-distancing for families going through the trail. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Tickets are limited and children who are 2 years and under enter free of charge.

Tickets cost R70 for 6pm, R65 for 7pm and R60 for 8pm and are available at www.webticket.co.za or Pick n Pay stores.