Press: The Fantastic Grifizzi Brothers and their carnival of friends heads for Stellenbosch

It’s carnival time in Stellenbosch as The Fantastic Grifizzi Brothers roll into town with their rad set up that includes everything from food trucks and bars, to a double decker bus-come-restaurant, barber shop, fun rides and animal-free circus in a Big Top tent.

After a sold out inaugural stint in Fish Hoek, the coolest gig in town has packed up their trailers, caravans and big top tents, and will be settling in at the Van Der Stel Sports Club from 5 to 27 August 2017.

Designed and produced by Richard Griffin and the uber talented team that brought South Africa Madame Zingara and a string of iconic eateries and bars, this dynamic and inclusive concept showcases a unique theatrical, food and outdoor experience for people of all ages. These industry stalwarts and vintage carnival producers have brought quirky Bohemian circus life to the fore by incorporating the visual wonderment of the performing arts, live music, vinyl vibes and a winter garden of delights, all in one festive space.

The Fantastic Grifizzi Brothers carnival experience has something for everyone. The food on offer, including vegetarian and Halaal options, is incredible with Khumalo’s Meat House and Tavern braai experience, the gourmet gypsy menu on the double decker Bohemian Bus, the Fish Shack And Café and trucks selling delicious cuisine. With several late night bars like the cool Barber Shop mirror tent, this eclectic carnival is guaranteed to further enhance one of Cape Town’s most popular destination towns.

For the kids, there is The Story of the Moon, a charming tale about the moon and her quest to be happy like the circus folk she sees below. Presented in a traditional imported Italian Big Top, it is a delight for the smallest of children to teens, parents, guardians and all who experience it. The show, directed by Marc Colli and Christine Chapman and conceptualised by Richard Griffin, is MC'd by Lilian Khumalo as Mama Circus, alongside singer Carmen Maarman. The star cast of performers hail from South Africa and abroad, showcasing acrobatics, drumming, Argentinian boladeros, contortion, slapstick comedy and a mesmerizing quick change act.

The Fantastic Grifizzi Brothers is open at the Van der Stel Sports Club from Wednesday to Sunday from 5 to 27 August 2017. Entry costs R30pp and the grounds open from 2pm Wed- Fri and from 11am Sat and Sun. Student night is on Wednesdays with 2 for 1 specials on presentation of a student card. Between 4pm and 6pm there is R10 beer and wine.

The Story of the Moon is presented on Thursdays at 4:00pm, Fridays at 3:00pm and 7:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00pm, 3:00pm & 7:00pm. Tickets cost from R120 for children to R160 for adults, available via www.thegrifizzibrothers.com, and via 071 400 2250. Costs for additional activities are R20-R60 for the big carnival rides, R40 for bungee trampoline (only children aged 3 to 12) per 5 minutes, and R30pp for face painting.

For group bookings and special package and party deals for the Moon show, call the Box Office on 071 400 2250 and book online via www.thegrifizzibrothers.com. Follow The Grifizzi Brothers on Facebook and on Instagram: #FantasticGrifizziBrothers.