Festival splashes out on air

In celebration of a quarter century on air, Algoa FM will be making waves of a different kind when it brings the Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival to the community live from Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth.

The 21st edition of the annual carnival, which promises “four days of fun and freedom”, will take to the airwaves over the Easter Weekend. “We have been involved with the festival for many years,” said Algoa FM managing director Dave Tiltman. “This year marks our 25th year of broadcasting, so it’s another reason to celebrate with the community.” From April 22 to 25, the station will keep listeners up to date on the bumper programme that includes watersports, beach activities, live entertainment and an assortment of interesting stalls.

Tiltman said his station was proud to be associated with one of the highlights on the annual tourism calendar because they shared a similar vision. “Algoa FM is also passionate about the Eastern Cape and positioning it as a premier tourism destination.” He said the Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival provided quality entertainment and activities that appealed to a diverse group of people throughout the province and brought the community together.

“The festival always has a very strong musical component, which is of course a drawcard for us,” said Tiltman. “Some of this year’s headline acts – like Justin Hines, Loyiso Bala and Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels – are playlisted on Algoa FM.” Although the station is situated at the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World across the road from the venue, Tiltman said an outside broadcast unit would be on site.

“The real excitement is for us to be able to broadcast for the entire weekend from the heart of the festival – allowing listeners to meet and interact with their favourite presenters.” Tiltman said the Algoa FM Hit Squad would also be in attendance, mixing with the crowds and offering exciting giveaways.

“We will be informing listeners of what they can expect to see and do in the lead-up to the festival – creating some hype and excitement.” According to the latest Radio Audience Measurement Survey (RAMS) figures, Algoa FM’s footprint covers the Eastern Cape with a listenership of 675 000 in the “past seven days”.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. For more information, phone 041 393 4800, visit www.splashfestival.com or join the Facebook group.

Author: Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival