- Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
From Sleepy To Vibrant: Bringing Festival Vibes To The Wild Coast
Kei Mouth might be considered a sleepy little coastal resort by some, but those who stumble into the village when one of its festivals is on will know only too well, that’s not the case. Certainly, the 2024 Kei Beer Fest proved to be a colourful, vibey affair complete with music, dance, games, children’s activities and, of course, beer!
Cloudy with a Chance of Bright Smiles and Festive Fun
There was also an abundance of festival food incorporating everything from Mr Yut’s unforgettable spring rolls, to the spiked cupcakes for sale on the Jagermeister stand. While the sun failed to make an appearance, the day was bright enough, with colourful costumes and smiling faces lighting up the Country Club grounds and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Resident face-painter Steven Bright deserves a special mention for the colourful creations that adorned the faces of nearly every child present… and one or two adults as well, proving you can celebrate more than just beer at a Beer Festival!
Celebrating Seaside Living on the Wild Coast
The Beer Fest gives visitors the chance to celebrate one of Kei Mouth’s favourite pastimes – drinking beer – and experience the vibrant community spirit that drives these events.
This year, local craft beers were provided by Table 58, an East London-based brewing company that uses “honest ingredients” to create a range of brews that combine an appealing appearance with enticing aromas and unforgettable flavours. Emerald Vale were also on site, giving visitors a taste of their locally brewed beers, which taste of natural goodness and locally harvested rainwater.
Organised by the Kei Mouth Owners and Residents Association (KMORA), and the Kei Mouth Country Club, the Kei Beer Fest brings residents and visitors together in a celebration of seaside living.
Festive Vibes and Victory
Showcasing some of the village’s talents and attractions, it provides a stage for our much-celebrated local line dancers, and, this year, provided the perfect backdrop for the Springboks’ decisive victory over Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship, cementing their status as the best rugby team in the world!
That was very much the cherry on top of an enormous cake that, thanks to the hard work of all involved, brought smiles to the faces of the 600+ people that attended.
The funds raised are split between the Country Club and KMORA and will be used to maintain the club and golf course, and to support the Kei Crew as it provides essential maintenance to the village itself, fixing potholes, trimming verges, and maintaining communal spaces like Grosvenor Square.
Street Markets And Festivals Showcase Our Community Spirit
Of course, the Kei Beer Fest is only one of several annual events that attract visitors to our charming coastal village, each showcasing a unique aspect of Kei Mouth’s culture and community spirit.
Later this year, the village will host its annual Christmas market, emphasizing the creativity of local artisans. In April each year, it provides a vibrant backdrop for the Kei Lily Festival, celebrating the region’s status as the Adventure Province as well as its natural beauty and diversity.
Outdoor Adventures… with a side of Chips and Beer
Unlike the Beer Fest, the Kei Lily Festival focuses on a healthier lifestyle, encouraging visitors to get outside and explore the local area, either with a relaxing bird walk or a more demanding 8km trail run. Of course, you can still have a beer and there are plenty of food vendors around, giving you the chance to restore your energy levels in time for the annual tug-of-war competition.
If you’ve still got some energy left when the sun goes down, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to burn it off dancing at one of the local music venues. Last year, The Shed hosted a langarm sokkie that carried on into the early hours… who knows what 2025 will bring!
Conclusion
The festivals reflect how Kei Mouth combines laid-back coastal living with a vibrant community spirit. They also demonstrate how a small town can come together to create experiences that rival those of much larger destinations while maintaining its intimate, friendly atmosphere.
Through these events, Kei Mouth proves that it’s more than just a sleepy coastal resort. It’s a dynamic community that’s eager to celebrate its heritage, support local businesses, and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re drawn by the promise of craft beer, the challenge of a trail run, or the warmth of a small-town Christmas market, Kei Mouth’s festivals offer something special for everyone, inviting visitors to become part of the village’s story, if only for a day or two.
