This spring, hastily emerged from the back end of August when varsity life was in full swing, and students were
looking for that taste of student life which could unleash the hounds of academic expectations. Then, along came Lentedag with its pliers to cut the chain where the streets became jovial as students drank their way to and from the Botanical Gardens. 14 September began like any other day, if the day started with being covered in glitter and rummaging around for a bucket hat that was last worn in 2019. After locating the essentials, the next logical step would be to grab the Black Label and put on the smudged sunglasses.
Upon locating your friends: some too drunk, the others too sober, one running down the street with wine, another eating breakfast as you board the bus while the one is repeatedly losing and finding their student card – consider it go-time. The watch says 09:15, the gates open at 10:00, and by now most people are swaying to the sound of student’s marching footsteps as groups make their way to 1194 Prospect Street where a line of buses waits for them. The buses were sent from the Sonnop heavens. These buses, parked on the street waiting to be filled with drunkards, resembled the Holy Grail in the eyes of anyone who has ever tried to arrange transport to a festival. No need for Ubers or problematic Bolts.
Once arriving at the Pearly Gates, lines were smooth, and persons were briefly, but lovingly searched. Finally, the celebrations could begin on paper that is. Walking into Lentedag meant walking into a mosh pit disguised as a line for drinks. An omniscient onlooker, peeking down at the rowdy crowds would have likened the scene to a romantic tragedy, betting on whether students torn between abandoning their inhibitions through well-priced alcohol would stand their ground or would rather follow the sound of the music, which demanded both attention and attendance.
However, amidst all the chaos and war-cries a woman dressed in black behind the bar pouring various liquids into plastic cups looked up, continuing to pour Brandy with no hesitance or shaky hands. When asked the existential question of what Lentedag has been like for her she uttered words of profound wisdom. “It is a lekker vibe”. Once the drinks have been secured, the sunblock long forgotten in between the abyss of one of the buses’ seats, and a narrow escape made from that friend of a friend trying to convince you that a beer funnel at 10 in the morning is a jolly good idea – there is a realisation that Lentedag is in full swing. Lentedag was ingeniously organised, having three different stages, for three different jollers. The first stage: (any wild guesses about the name of the stage shall be taken now…), was labelled Mainstage. Acts such as Siann, Zebra, Bernice West, Rubber Duc, Loufi, Fokofpolisiekar, and Synth Peter followed one after the other, the crowd enlarging after each set. By the time Synth Peter emerged, the crowd could be described as something no less than feral.
The second stage was ironically named the “Electronic Temple’’, and although there was no repentance, there were a few muffled prayers to make it out alive. Reinman Powered by the Garage, Natasa, Dean Fuel, Cinnamon, and Chunda Munki performed for the eccentric and excited. The third and final stage, Hype Nation HipHop Stage, was named after the hip hop/ rap events that preceded the performances of Sixby9ine, Youngserno, DJ Q, Rarri, Wat3er, Mustbedubz, Phantom Steeze, Benny Chill (a Penryn College representative, if you will), Hype, and Venom. However, the existence of this third stage, tucked behind the bathrooms, was not known to the writers of PDBY, who are definitely not the ones writing this article. Maybe next time hang up a big flag for the different factions, or maybe next time the writer can just look at the map.
One of the main problems with Lentedag, was the inability to be in three places at once, as each act had something unique to offer. This has been one of the best organised Lentedag events, including the pre-COVID events. One of
this festival’s most noticeable and appreciated elements was the tight security at the women’s bathrooms. Every third toilet had a female security guard outside, and the thoughtfulness of an act like this truly allowed women to just be people at the festival, as opposed to people having to constantly worry about safety. And of course, a special thank you will always be administered to the RedFrogs, who kindly kept many rascals, safe. A special mention to the catering of the event, with both vegan and vegetarian food options being available. This festival catered for all students, marking it as one of those “once in your lifetime”.
Future tips for future jollers:
*Please do not subject your white shoes to this, unless you are deciding to buy a brand new pair the next day.
*Sometimes, at no fault of the organisers, the card machines do not have signal. Always have some cash on you in case.
*Although the drink prices are roughly the same as they would be at the strip, pre-drinks are always a good idea. But
do not pre too hard, of course. It is a solid 8-hour day.
My name is Ashleigh Pascoe and I am doing my Honours in Publishing. This is my fourth year studying at UP. I would describe myself as a bubbly extrovert with a passion for written work and writing!
