The Old Mutual Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts run from November to April every year, and the 2011/2012 lineup has just been announced. The Summer Sunset Concerts are a wonderful way to enjoy a lazy picnic with friends and family, whilst enjoying some of South Africa’s hottest acts. These concerts are a wonderful way to wind down the weekend, and recharge for the week ahead.

All tastes are catered for, through the lineup, with the concerts featuring jazz, R&B, hip hop, rock, folk and big bands. Tickets for the concerts open on the Tuesday before, and you can purchase them from the Visitor’s Centre Ticket Office. Alternatively, book your tickets online at Webtickets. Tickets are also available at the gate, but book early to avoid disappointment, as the concerts are very popular. You can also make a telephonic booking by calling 021 761 2866. Tickets cost from R50 to R120, dependent on age, the specific concert and whether or not you are a member of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Society.

Gates open at 16h00, and concerts are held between 17h30 and 19h00. They go ahead, irrespective of the weather and refunds are not issued. Some concerts offer a kids zone, where your little ones can enjoy some supervised entertainment and activities, while you relax on the lawns to some sweet music. Please check the schedule to ensure that a Kids Zone will be operating for the concert you wish to attend.

If you forget to bring along a picnic basket, you can purchase a hamper from the Silvertree Restaurant or the Kirstenbosch Tea Room.

The 2011/2012 season features some fantastic artists. Kicking off the season will be Locnville and Jax Panik on 20 November 2011. You can look forward to Jack Parow and the Van Coke Kartel on 27 November, and Lira on 4 December. The annual Carols by Candlelight event will be held on 15, 16 and 17 December, and this is a wonderful way to ring in the festive season. Zebra and Giraffe take the stage on 26 December, whilst the New Years party features Mango Groove. Heading into 2012, you can look forward to The Graeme Watkins Project, Johnny Clegg, Dan Patlansky, Taxi Violence, Goldfish, Freshlyground and a host of other fantastic live acts.

Chill out and enjoy some superb South African music, whilst taking in some of Kirstenbosch Gardens‘ natural beauty.