Grahamstown - As the National Arts Festival gets underway today, visitors attending the event can rest assured that security at the festival would be tighter than before.
Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Xoliswa Tom has sent a stern warning to criminals, who intend to pounce on unsuspecting visitors at the festival, saying "they will face the full wrath of the law".
Addressing the media ahead of the opening on Wednesday, the MEC said a subcommittee on safety had been established in their preparation for the festival.
"Security of the people was of paramount importance. In any event, safety of the people should be a priority," she said.
The festival is expected to showcase South Africa's rich and multi-faceted culture of drama, dance, visual arts, music, film, jazz, painting and sculpting among others.
It features an extensive line-up of South African and international events, mixing new talent with established stars and capturing the spirit of the moment for a broad spectrum of audiences.
The MEC said her department has invested R4.3 million this year to make sure that artists from the province participate in the festival.
"The provincial government has focused on those artists that are skilled but cannot afford to take part in the festival.
"We are strongly biased towards the groups from rural areas while we do not leave out groups from the urban areas as well," she said.
Gates for various shows and exhibitions open between 9am and 12pm. Tickets for the festival, range between R20 and R50, and can be bought at any of the 1 820 Settlers National Monument between 9am and 5pm.
Sponsors of the festival include Standard Bank, the provincial government, National Arts Council, National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, The Sunday Independent and Mnet.
