Taalmonument to sparkle with stars under a starry sky

A heavenly spring evening with a trio of vocal artists will soon transform the Taalmonument’s intimate Garden Theatre into a once-in-a-lifetime must-hear experience under the stars. The popular and award-winning Refentse, Elandré and Andriëtte’s picnic concert on Saturday, 30 NOVEMBER 2024, is also the highlight of a day to usher in the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument’s (ATM’s) 50th anniversary with the launch of a fantastic festival programme for 2025.

According to the ATM director, Michael Jonas, the aim of next year’s celebrations is to promote Afrikaans as a national asset by, among others, highlighting and honouring the shared, inclusive origin history of the language. “We want to do this by presenting the monument as an inspiration where our focus on culture, nature and pleasure embodies exactly what we achieve in this regard,” he says. “These diverse artists’ incredible music is proof of what is possible. And in the next months we’re going to build on that.” He encourages all to follow the ATM’s website and social media or subscribe to their newsletter to keep abreast of the year’s programme.

Refentse Morake, originally from Gauteng, Elandré Schwartz, originally from the Eastern Cape, as well as Capetonian Andriëtte Norman have earned their exceptional fame in the last decade thanks to hard work and lots of talent, with for example each of their most famous songs together having had around 16 million views on YouTube. Follow them on their social and audio platforms for sneak preview of what to expect at the picnic concert.

Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics and drinks (no glass) or pre-order a picnic basket from the Suikerkan via 082 216 2510 or info@diesuikerkan.co.za – this bistro will also sell refreshments during the event. Remember warm clothing and a flashlight. Unfortunately, no dogs, fires or chairs are allowed. Ample secure parking is available free of charge. For the children there are also playgrounds and outdoor games.

The concert takes place at the Taalmonument on Paarl Mountain from 18:00 to 21:00 (gates open at 17:00) and costs only R280 per person, which includes a free visit to the monument and the beautiful indigenous gardens. To keep the experience as unique as possible, limited tickets are available, so book online at quicket.co.za as soon as possible. If any tickets remain, they will be for sale at the gate from 17:00. For enquiries, contact Stefanie Rasztabiga via 021 872 3441 or kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za.

  • For more information on all the other exciting events, concerts and courses at the Taalmonument, call 021 872 3441/863 0543, visit taalmonument.co.za or follow them on Facebook. The website also offers virtual tours of the monument and museum, information in six languages ​​on the symbolism of the Taalmonument as well as many interesting articles on Afrikaans, multilingualism and the institution’s past, present and future. There are also numerous resources for school and research projects. Annual permits are available at only R120 for individuals or R220 per family, which includes unlimited access to the ATM, bistro and full moon picnics. The bistro offers delicious food and beautiful views daily; contact them via diesuikerkan.co.za or 082 216 2510.