Head to Swellendam to experience the spirit of Search this New Year’s

A small-scale experiment started among friends a decade ago, Search has blossomed into a larger cultural gathering, an exceptional event built on music and sustained by listeners, dancers and dedicated volunteers.

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Remarkably, it has remained entirely self-funded and independent, defying the norm of corporate sponsorships common to similar events across South Africa.

At its heart, Search is a testament to the devotion and selflessness of its volunteers, who pour their time and skills into theme camps, immersive art installations and workshops for the four-day event.

The festival, evolving with each passing year, holds firm to its core values – respecting the environment, empowering individuals and challenging the conventional music festival experience.

This edition, themed ‘Illumination,’ aims to inspire a sense of lightness, offering a break from the shadows that can cover the world. Building upon community feedback, enhancements in sound, lighting and overall comfort are promised, enhancing the festival experience for all attendees this year.

Central to the festival’s essence is active participation. It encourages attendees to not just witness but actively contribute to the magic. Collaborative energy is put towards a series of artworks, installations, performances and workshops, putting attendees into a utopian space defined by mutual respect and care.

Safety remains a top priority, underlined by partnerships to train staff and volunteers in comprehensive safety procedures. This year, Search Festival is partnering with the South African branch of SheSaidSo, a global community of women, gender-nonconforming people and allies in the music industry, to assist in the staff training.

Also read: A festive glow hits Franschhoek with the launch of the Festival of Lights

At its core, Search promotes independent music, serving as a platform for bold experimentation and diverse sounds. The festival’s line-up proudly showcases local talent alongside international acts who resonate with Search’s values and ethos.

With headliners like Jamz Supernova, Donna Leake, Sunsunsun and more, Search Festival presents a finely curated programme across three intimate stages.

Yet beyond its musical talent, the festival embodies curiosity, sincerity, anarchy and love – inviting attendees to be the light that someone might be searching for.

To ensure accessibility, a tiered pricing model has been introduced, tailoring ticket costs to align with the economic realities of diverse communities.

Pricing:

Location & transport:

Utopia can be reached in just under three hours from Cape Town. In an effort to be more eco-conscious and help those without cars, Search has set up a bus service to take you directly to and from Utopia.

For R600, you can hop on the shuttle departing from the Waterfront at 8am on 30 December. The returning bus will depart from Utopia at 12pm on 2 January.

Food & amenities:

It is advised to bring snacks for the festival, as the nearest shop is about 10km from the venue. However, on-site there will be a variety of food trucks catering to all dietary requirements and preferences. Vendors will only accept card payments, with mobile pay/Snapscan being service-dependent.

You may not bring portable cooking equipment, but there is a communal braai area between 1pm and 3pm. An on-site kiosk will be setup selling essentials you may have forgotten.

The festival bars will serve a range of drinks, available via card purchase. You may also bring your own drinks, but glass containers are not allowed on festival grounds.

• Dates: 30 December – 2 January
• Location: Utopia, Swellendam, 6740
• Website: searchfestival.co.za
• Instagram: @search_festival
• Tickets: quicket.co.za

Stay tuned for an epic giveaway. Coming soon.