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Magnetic Storm pulls off a second successful People’s Port Festival 

This weekend Magnetic Storm brought the second People’s Port Festival to life for Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). 

The purpose of the People’s Port Festival is to increase community accessibility to the port and demonstrate that it’s an area ‘for the people’. So, in addition to creating a vibrant, welcoming environment, building on the 2017 event Magnetic Storm created for the TNPA it had to ensure visitor safety. 

Free to attend, the 2018 People’s Port Festival turned the festival concept on its head once again and demonstrated the uniqueness of the port through edutainment. “We secured the support and participation from local and international organisations including Bayworld, the Navy and SANCOB who are all invested in the social, economic and tourism benefit the port has on the city,” remarks Magnetic Storm general manager, Lourens Venter. “Using learnings from last year we made numerous tweaks to create a ‘wow’ experience for visitors in 2018.” 

Event highlights from 2018 included:

• A live underwater projection experience where visitors experienced what was happening below the surface in real-time.

• The Navy dive tank where you could witness Navy divers training and see the weaponry used and its numerous vessels.

• Sessions with SANCOB where it demonstrated the impact of trash on the birds it rescues and how it rehabilitates rescued birds. This was supported by the Sustainable Seas Trust and its photobooth that shows how litter negatively impacts our beautiful coastline.

• Lifestyle areas where there were food and craft stalls, the Bocadillos pop-up restaurant, a funfair, local and national acts and children’s entertainers.

• Business and careers expo where visitors could learn about jobs in the maritime industry and how to get involved.

• Insights into the port operations through bus tours to previously inaccessible areas and having equipment working and on show to demonstrate what happens in the port any why.