Featured Book:
– Few Slivers of Light
A beautifully written collection of poetry that reflects a teenager’s journey with anxiety and depression. Jess Robus hopes to inspire other teens and young adults to speak up about their struggles and to reach parents who might have children experiencing these challenges.
Featured Books:
1. A Friend for All Seasons
A new family has moved in next door, and Vuyo observes them from his window. The mom is dancing, the dad is laughing, the dog keeps wagging its tail, but why does the little girl look sad? This lyrical book about friendship and kindness encourages young children to accept and support others. It is also available in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sepedi, and Afrikaans.
2. You are Loved
Athandwa’s heart is different; it sings. Initially, she is scared and wonders why she is different from her family and friends. When she tries to silence her heart, she discovers a secret and a special song known to Mama, Gogo, and Koko. This story celebrates the uniqueness of individuals and the intergenerational love that lifts and protects us.
Craig Higginson is an internationally acclaimed playwright and novelist. His plays have been performed and produced in many theatres and festivals around the world. His novels include Last Summer (Picador Africa, 2010; Mercure de France, 2017), The Landscape Painter (Picador Africa, 2011), The Dream House (Picador Africa, 2015; Mercure de France, 2016) and The White Room (Picador Africa and St Martin’s Press (ebook), 2018). Craig has won several national awards in South Africa and Britain for his writing. The Dream House is the IEB English matric set work for South African schools (2019–2021).
Age Restriction: 14+
Gail Schimmel and Fiona Snyckers – bestselling novelists and pod cast hosts – talk about planning, plotting and the discipline of writing. Fiona Snyckers is a South African writer who has published eight novels. In 2020 she won the South African Literary Award for best novel and the NIHSS Humanities Award for best novel for Lacuna (Picador Africa). She has been nominated five times for the Sunday Times Fiction Prize. Fiona lives in Johannesburg with her family.
Gail Schimmel has published eight novels, most recently the newly launched The Finish Line (2024) and Little Secrets (2023). She is an admitted attorney who is currently the CEO of the Advertising Regulatory Board. Gail co-hosts the podcast The Hidden Lives of Writers. She has written 9 cozy mysteries (and counting) with Kate Sidley writing as Katie Gayle.
Gail lives and works in Johannesburg.
Age Restriction: 14+
A Day of Music and Excitement
Enjoy a magnificent day in the winter sun during SATURDAYFEST with the music of one of our favorite feel-good bands, Runaway Train Cult. Our evening lineup begins with a Battle of the Bands, followed by the sensational Mzansi Youth Choir and Lady Zamar. Enjoy your food under the fairy lights with a full view of the stage. The Village on Oval is the ideal destination for a family day out or holding venue between theatre shows. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
11:00 – Runaway Train Cult
16:00 – Andy Klee
17:00 – Nyasha Manda
17:20 – Battle of The Bands
19:45 – Mzansi Youth Choir
20:45 – Lady Zamar
