Summer Events in Cape Town 2009

Cape Town is the most popular tourist destination in South Africa, with many speculating that 2009 will be a great year for tourism in the area. If the abundant number of competitive airlines offering cheap flights to Cape Town isn't enough to entice European tourists already, then the packed and diverse events diary for the city may do so even further. The months from June to September are set to be a celebration of sports, arts and culture - as well as something a little more unexpected.

Comedy
One thing's for sure, Cape Town must have a good sense of humour, as it plays host to not one comedy festival, but two. The first is the Vodacom Funny Festival and runs from 15th to the 19th July - and featuring award-winning Japanese physical comedy duo: Gamarjobat, and the UK music team: The Raymond and My Timpkins Revue. At the same venue (Baxter Theatre) but occurring throughout September, The Cape Town International Comedy Festival features much of the sames - as well as the Afrikaans language Besh-Lash zone.

Sport
Ahead of South Africa's hosting of the World Cup in 2010, two sports dominate Cape Town during 2009. The most prevalent will be the cricket, with many home matches being played in the city (although not during the summer). On Saturday 12th September Table Mountain is the site of The Crazy Store Table Mountain Challenge. The challenge is a 35 kilometre trail run around the mountain where those taking part are either allowed to attempt the entire circuit (taking in tracks, roads and paths) or to enter as a team.

Consumer
August sees celebrations for the fashionable amongst us, and the - err - babies amongst us. Cape Town Fashion Week begins on the 13th and is considered the biggest fashion get-together in Africa. Unlike many fashion conventions, the event is open to the public with seminars and courses running for those eager to learn more about the industry - as well as the traditional cat-walk shows and big hats. Baba Indaba is a trade fair for baby goods, from toys to safety equipment, and takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The event draws 50,000 visitors each year.

Performance
Again at the Baxter Theatre, August sees the aptly-titled Baxter Dance Festival which seeks to show case local dance companies and troupes to the public. In a similar vein, during July at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront the Encounters Documentary Festival makes its visit to the city - featuring premiers, Q and As and seminars. However if you are looking from something a little more unique, September's Out of the Box Festival may well be suited for all the family. Puppets, need I say more!

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Sarah Maples writes about cheap flights and package holidays.