They’re back with a bang. Big events that draw tens of thousands of people are once again being hosted in the Cape Town CBD, including the recent Investec Cape Town Art Fair. Next up is the iconic Comic Con Cape Town.
Big events are back in downtown Cape Town after two devastating pandemic years. The year started with the return of the popular Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade, which drew over 80 000 spectators. It was followed in mid-January by a four-day Netball Quad Series at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) which gave spectators a taste of what is to come during the Netball World Cup, which is set to thrill audiences in July this year.
In early February the CBD welcomed more than 7 000 delegates from over 100 countries for the 29th annual Investing in African Mining Indaba at the CTICC. The last day of the Indaba also coincided with the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa at Cape Town City Hall. Between 17 to 19 February, art took centre stage as over 23 000 people plus 6 000 VIPs descended to the inner city for the 10th edition of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair at the CTICC.
There have also been major events on the periphery of the CBD like Formula E, the world’s first fully electric street racing series, which took place in Green Point, and is expected to generate a direct and indirect economic impact of R2.13 billion in the first year, including R481 million in global destination exposure. American pop rock band, Imagine Dragons, also performed to nearly 50 000 people at the DHL Cape Town Stadium in Green Point on 1 February as part of their world tour.
Events of this kind are instrumental for the CBD’s growth and related sectors including tourism and hospitality as attendees spend money on the numerous offerings in the town from accommodation, restaurants, and attractions. This also opens the door for them to return as visitors, perhaps with their families or loved ones.
Up next on the Central City’s agenda is Comic Con Cape Town, Africa’s largest multi-genre pop-culture and gaming festival, at the CTICC from 27 to 29 April, and 25 000 attendees are expected from across South Africa and beyond given the popularity of Comic Con events worldwide.
COME TO COMIC CON, FOLKS
Comic Con Cape Town was initially scheduled to take place at the DHL Cape Town Stadium in Green Point. Due to an overwhelming response, organisers moved it to the CBD at the CTICC, which is indoors and has ample space, modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology to support the event. They also added an extra event day. But that’s not the only reason.
Says Calvin van den Berg, marketing manager for Comic Con Africa: “The Cape Town CBD holds a special allure for visitors, with its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and diverse range of attractions. From historic landmarks to world-class restaurants and shopping, there is something for everyone in the CBD and we are excited to be adding Comic Con Cape Town to anyone’s agenda.”
Van den Berg believes that Cape Town and its inner city are rich with numerous things that Comic Con celebrates including animation, gaming, art and film sets. “With this love and passion deeply rooted in the city’s culture, we are excited to give these fans a platform to amplify their excitement and expression,” he explains.
CULT FOLLOWING
The event, which according to Comic Con International began in 1970 when a small group of comics, movie and science fiction fans from San Diego put on an event attended by just 300 people, has a cult following all over the world.
It has grown and evolved to include pop culture content and its rise, says Van den Berg, has also been driven by growing digital media and online communities which have helped it to reach more people and connect with fans in new and exciting ways.
The Cape Town edition will have a line-up of international and local celebrities, including comic book artists, writers, and illustrators, as well as popular television and movie stars. It will also showcase a wide range of exhibitors and vendors, featuring the latest in pop-culture merchandise, gaming, comic books and collectibles. Guests will also enjoy panel discussions, cosplay competitions and interactive experiences.
LOCAL TALENT TO WOW COMIC CON
Cape Town-based comic book illustrator Karl Mostert, who has worked on local and international comic book projects, including various DC Comics, is one of the guests. He has attended previous Comic ConS, including as a vendor, and says it’s special because “it’s a place where all us nerds and geeks can go and indulge in the things we like such as comics, movies, and gaming. It’s like going to a rugby game for jocks, only better”.
At Comic Con Cape Town, he will share his artistry with like-minded people as well as his love of storytelling, the most rewarding aspect of his art form. “I love storytelling and being able to take a script and transfer it into drawings on a page and to have people relate to it is a great feeling,” says Mostert.
Contrary to popular belief, Comic Con is not only for hardcore comic book fans as it offers a range of content and experiences that appeal to a broad audience, including movies, TV shows, video games, and cosplay. Says Van den Berg: “Whether you’re a die-hard fan of comics or just curious about the latest pop culture trends, there is something for everyone at Comic Con.”
Comic Con Africa show director, Carla Massmann, shares similar sentiments. “This is a self-expressive festival where visitors can experience the best in pop culture and enjoy a tangible experience of brands and fandoms. We are striving for a festival and show programme that is as dynamic as the city itself. We want Comic Con Cape Town to ignite the heartbeat of the city all weekend long,” Massmann explains.
For a taste of events happening in the CBD, have a look at the CCID’s “What's on in downtown Cape Town” feature here.
IMAGES: Comic Con Cape Town