People of Hope Comedy Competition

Cape Town is gearing up for a brighter, funnier, and more hopeful Festive Lights Switch-On this year! With the streets set to dazzle on Adderley Street, the City of Cape Town is bringing even more cheer with a brand-new comedy competition to make everyone laugh, the People of Hope Comedy Competition. At the heart of this initiative is the search for Cape Town’s next comedic sensation—a “Hopeful Hero” who knows just how to bring laughter and joy to the crowd.

For aspiring comedians of all ages, this is your chance to shine. With a first prize of R10 000 and the opportunity to perform live at the highly anticipated switch-on concert on the Grand Parade on Sunday, 1 December, the competition is bound to be as spirited as it is hilarious. Runners-up won’t leave empty-handed either: second and third prizes are R5 000 and R2 000, with all three top spots earning a performance slot at the Festive Lights Switch-On. It’s a one-of-a-kind moment to bring hopeful humour to the city’s biggest festive event.

The theme, “People of Hope,” speaks to the resilience and joy of Cape Town’s community. Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, shared his excitement: “This year’s Festive Lights Switch-On is about more than just lights - it’s about the people of Cape Town. Our people are people of hope, and express themselves through humour that shines through the heart of Cape Town. I’m keen to celebrate the talents that make this city so special and meet you all on the Grand Parade for a good chuckle and some excellent entertainment.”

How to Enter:

To join, submit a one-minute stand-up comedy video that captures your unique spin on the “People of Hope” theme. Keep it family-friendly and light—Cape Town is looking for good, clean laughs! Your submission can be made on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X (Twitter) by tagging the official Cape Town Festive Lights account, @CTFestiveLights, and using the hashtags #PeopleOfHopeLaugh and #CTFestiveLights.

Deadlines and Judging:

All entries are due by Friday, 15 November. Afterward, a top 10 will be chosen for a live “laugh-off” at the V&A Waterfront on Saturday, 23 November. The performances will be judged by South Africa’s top comedic talent, including Lunga Tshuka, Angel Campey, and Stuart Taylor, so bring your best material!

For all the details on the competition and its terms, visit Cape Town Festive Lights Switch-On’s social media platforms:

• Facebook: CTFestiveLights

• Instagram: ctfestivelights

• TikTok: CTFestiveLights

• YouTube: @CapeTownFestiveLightsSwitch-On

Get ready to make Cape Town laugh and become part of the joy that the Festive Lights Switch-On 2024 promises to bring. Cape Town, let’s share the laughter and hope—one joke at a time!