Hlanganani Christmas Market is a community event that attracts visitors at local, regional and national levels. “The very first Christmas Market in 2015 yielded just over 300 visitors and, with steady growth, we welcomed just over 1 000 visitors to our event in 2021,” said Bianca Mitchell-Innes, one of the main organisers of the Christmas Market.
This year’s market will be taking the social Christmas attraction to the next level and has invited a few charities and organisations in Ladysmith, using the Hlanganani Christmas Market as a fundraising opportunity. AACL, Lions Club, Child Welfare, NG Kerk Danskraal, Juana Maria Frail Aged Home and Hamilton Prep School are but a few that will host fundraising events within the market to help raise funds for their charity projects. The focus of the market is to create a space and platform for the promotion of small local businesses, typically those specialising in gifting, food and beverage, craft and entertainment as well as other attractions.
Local vendors, artisans, craftspeople, restaurateurs, small businesses, schools, churches and charitable organisations all use the Hlanganani Christmas Market to raise their business profiles while driving revenue by attracting local Elandslaagte residents to support them. Mitchell-Innes said: “Back in 2015, I realised that Ladysmith and surrounding areas have a lot of good quality vendors and suppliers, but no exposure. Anyone can get involved with the Christmas market, whether you are a small business owner looking to promote your product or service or whether you have a little side-hustle going on for some extra cash, the Hlanganani Christmas Market is the place you want to be.”
Mitchell-Innes said they are expecting well over the 100-mark and told The Ladysmith Herald that the last seven years could only be done with the support from her family, particularly her husband, as well as other friends and community members. This year, Micthell-Innes called in a friend, Rolinda Fick, for creative input and guidance and the market day is well on its way to be held on 26 November. Live entertainment has formed an integral part of the Hlanganani Christmas Market. “This year we secured legend Afrikaans singer, songwriter and artist, Jan Blohm, to perform live as well as a young and upcoming singer, Barto, who has recently been signed by Select Music and released his new single H2O last month, to open for Jan Blohm. Other local performing artists on the day include Melanie Janse van Rensburg, Adam Watkins and the Hamilton Marimba Band.” Hamilton Prep School will be hosting the kids’ entertainment area this year, providing endless hours of fun with jumping castles, inflatables, face painting, a crafts corner and a confectionary table. “Following on from that, contact was made in the new year to start booking stalls and forming new relationships with potential sponsors and organisations who would like to get involved.”
The market and all fundraising events will be hosted on the Mitchell-Innes farm which is centrally located on the N11 between Ladysmith (30km) and NN (70km) which makes it an ideal location for an event such as this, providing easy access from all neighbouring towns and areas such as Newcastle, Dundee, Glencoe, Colenso, Winterton, Bergville, Vryheid, Estcourt and Central Berg. The Lions Club Ladysmith will be hosting a 5km and 10km Colour Trail Run for the first time this year and have added a 20km and 40km Adventure Trail Ride for the adventure enthusiasts out there. Both of the aforementioned events will happen against a backdrop of scenic countryside and wildlife.
For more information on these events or to book tickets, please contact Paulina on 076-168-2198 (Lions Club / Colour Trail Run) or Gerhard on 084-555-5128 (Adventure Bike Ride). “Covid affected everyone in some way or another but we were blessed that we’ve only had to cancel one Christmas market back in 2020. It is clear that events like the Hlanganani Christmas Market have an impact that goes well beyond what can be measured in economic terms. The Hlanganani Christmas Market, in particular, strengthens our local community by providing unique activities, creating a platform for interaction and acting as a source of community pride. And last but not least – it’s fun for everyone.”
At the end of the day, the purpose of hosting the Hlanganani Christmas Market is to, as the Zulu name suggests, bring together members of a community and create memorable moments through shared experiences. Mitchell-Innes is inviting one and all to the seventh annual Hlanganani Christmas Market and tickets are available for purchase by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to Sydney on 076-613-4434. Your ticket will be sent to you digitally which you can then present on the day at the gate for easy access. Entry to the Hlanganani Christmas Market includes the Jan Blohm live show. R50 for adults and R30 for kids under 12.
