This Easter weekend, the Yellowwood Forest in Gxarha (Morgan Bay) will come alive with music, compassion, and community, as the Pawsitivity Festival benefits local animal welfare projects.
The event features award-winning marimba bands from Grey College and Eunice High School in Bloemfontein, performing for the first time in the East London/Kei region. Under the direction of music coach and Idols competitor Margie Anderson, the young musicians will present dynamic performances filled with rhythm, dance, and heart — all to raise funds for local animal rescue and spay/neuter initiatives.
Festival highlights include:
Saturday, 9.30am: Full marimba show at the Easter market (free entry, donations welcome).
Saturday, 6pm for 7pm: An Evening to Remember with Margie Anderson (book at 064-087-0607).
Sunday, 10am: Mass marimba performance.
Sunday workshops: 9.30am and 12pm (book at 060-655-8152, R100pp).
Proceeds go to:
Evette Olivieri, who has dedicated years to rescuing and treating injured and abandoned animals in Morgan Bay;
Jenny Maitland, who runs the Kei Mouth and Cwili dog spaying project;
Antoinette McInnes and Aly Vincenti, who lead the Morgan Bay-Gxarha spaying project.
“Music is a universal language,” Anderson said. “This weekend, we’re using it to spread joy and raise funds for the voiceless — our animals.”
Organiser Elizabeth Jansen van Vuuren said: “With no government funding for animal care, community support is vital. Let’s start a love revolution. Change begins when we do what we can, where we are.”
For updates, visit the Yellowwood Forest Facebook page. Bring a picnic, your dancing shoes, and a big heart.
