The Diamonds and Dorings Festival has been relocated to the Diamond Oval Cricket Stadium in Cassandra. Executive mayor Martha Bartlett acknowledged the significance of Langleg Resort in the festival’s history but emphasised that safety and sustainability remain the top priorities.
Image: Danie van der Lith
KIMBERLEY is gearing up for the much-anticipated return of the Diamonds and Dorings Festival, set to take place on April 20.
The festival, known for its rich cultural heritage and star-studded musical line-up, has been a highlight on the Northern Cape’s entertainment calendar for years. However, this year’s event comes with a significant change - the venue has been relocated from its traditional home at Langleg Pleasure Resort to the Diamond Oval Cricket Stadium in Cassandra.
The decision to move the event was made by the Sol Plaatje Municipality in collaboration with Exilite Holdings Pty Ltd, the appointed service provider for the festival. The primary concern behind the relocation is the rising water levels of the Vaal River due to ongoing heavy rainfall across the country.
Data from the Department of Water and Sanitation indicates that the Vaal Dam and Bloemhof Dam are experiencing significantly increased water levels. The Vaal Dam is currently at 107.3% of its capacity, with inflows measured at 433.6 cubic metres per second.
In an effort to mitigate the risk of flooding, the Flood Monitoring and Forecasting System (FMFS) team recommended the opening of a third sluice gate at the Vaal Dam on April 1. This measure will increase outflow to an estimated 400 cubic metres per second.
Given these developments, the possibility of flooding at Langleg Resort posed a serious safety risk. In response, the municipality opted for a precautionary approach to ensure that the festival proceeds without interruption while prioritising public safety.
The new venue, Diamond Oval Cricket Stadium, is well-equipped to host large-scale events and is expected to provide festivalgoers with a secure and enjoyable experience. While Langleg Resort has traditionally served as the heart of the festival, the municipality and event organisers trust that this decision will be welcomed by all stakeholders, artists, vendors, and attendees.
Executive mayor Martha Bartlett acknowledged the significance of Langleg Resort in the festival’s history but emphasised that safety and sustainability remain the top priorities.
“We appreciate the understanding and co-operation of all involved and assure festivalgoers that the Diamonds and Dorings Festival 2025 will remain a world-class event,” she stated.
The relocation of the festival to the Diamond Oval Cricket Stadium ensures that attendees can continue to enjoy a line-up of top local and international artists in a vibrant and secure setting.
The municipality and its partners remain committed to delivering a memorable experience, and all preparations are under way to make this year’s festival one to remember.
As Kimberley counts down to April 20, festivalgoers can look forward to an electrifying blend of music, culture, and entertainment, proving that the spirit of Diamonds and Dorings remains unshaken despite the necessary venue change.
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