Following consultations with Disaster and Risk Management, the organisers of the annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival have been advised to postpone this year’s Iconic Bastille 2024 celebrations.
Originally planned for this coming weekend (13 and 14 July), the event will now take place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July.
According to the organisers the decision prioritises guest safety amid severe weather warnings and anticipated disruptive rain this week. “The decision to postpone was made after careful consideration and consultation with our structural engineers and safety team, who play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of our events and all guests,” explains Ruth McCourt, CEO of Franschhoek Tourism.
“The decision to postpone was not taken lightly, but it was essential to ensure our annual celebration lives up to the months of hard work that define it. With recent updates regarding the Level 8 Cape Storm warnings from City of Cape Town, reaffirming our dedication to safety standards and delivering an exceptional event. With the wintry weather still in full force, don your wellington boots next weekend and let the fine wines fuel the usual merriment, despite the weather.”
Franschhoek, in collaboration with global financial services business Prescient, is eagerly anticipating hosting another spectacular Bastille celebration. In a statement the organisers say rescheduling aims to uphold the festival’s excellence and ensure an outstanding weekend of festivities for all attendees.
The festival is known for its culinary excellence and world-class wines, the Franschhoek Wine Valley invites guests to immerse themselves in French culture during the annual Bastille commemoration. Those attending can enjoy wine tastings in the renowned Bastille marquee, indulge in local delicacies from food stalls and experience a feast of live entertainment.
The new venue is the Franschhoek High School rugby field, with the marquee as the festival’s centrepiece and the recent decision to postpone the event has been made exclusively to enhance guest comfort and to ensure continued success of this iconic event. Whether dressed in blue, white and red or practical wintry attire, the spirit of Bastille 2024 will remain undampened. Whether adorned in the colours of France or dressed for wintry conditions, the spirit of Bastille 2024 will shine brightly.
Original tickets are still valid, exclusively for the new dates and are not refundable.?
