The annual Durban Port Festival – a maritime festival that draws both local and international tourists to KwaZulu-Natal – will this year be hosted by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), and held in the harbour precinct off Margaret Mncadi Avenue, from September 29 to 30.

The festival is aimed at showcasing the diversity of Durban’s multiple cultures, its traditions and heritage, and the history of SA’s busiest commercial port. Nationally, port festivals are a part of the TNPA’s efforts to transform ports into ‘Smart People’s Ports’ that have a focus on community engagement, tourism, leisure, recreation, and career and business opportunities.

Port-goers will be able to board and tour SA Navy ships stationed at the N Shed passenger terminal in the Port of Durban; experience guided tours at the Port Natal Maritime Museum; explore a mini market with arts and crafts stalls; see Harley Davidsons, superbikes and supercars, jet ski viewing, water rides and more. Waterside activities will include a sail-past and regatta, sea rescue displays, jetski demonstrations, and a tugboat ‘dance’. A festival lifestyle village will offer food and beverages, including popular outlets, food trucks, a shisanyama (local tradition of buying and barbequing meat), local stallholders, a gin pop-up bar, a wine pop-up bar, a sushi bar and a beer garden.

The weekend-long festival is hosted in collaboration with Durban Tourism, EThekwini Municipality, Bidfreight Port Operations, EThekwini Maritime Cluster, East Coast Radio, the KwaZulu Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Bulk Connections, the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology, African Marine Solutions, MSC Cruises and SMG Ballito.