Tucked between rolling farmlands, wild fynbos and the windswept beauty of the West Coast, the small village of Redelinghuys is the kind of place you don’t just visit – you experience.
This May, the village invites visitors to do exactly that as it hosts the very first Sandveld Fees on 2 May 2026 – a full-day celebration of music, food, community and the unmistakable spirit of the Sandveld.
A village rich in character and community
Redelinghuys may be small, but it carries a rich history rooted in agriculture, heritage and a strong sense of community. Visitors are often struck by the warmth of the locals – it’s the kind of place where conversations are easy, smiles are genuine, and visitors are welcomed like old friends.
The Sandveld Fees is a natural extension of this spirit – a gathering designed to bring people together and celebrate everything that makes the region so special.
Music, entertainment and a full day of festivities
From live music to local performances, the programme is designed to keep the energy going from morning through to evening. Taking place at the Redelinghuys Sports Grounds from 09h00 to 23h00, the festival promises a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with entertainment throughout the day.
Headlining the event is popular Afrikaans artist Dirk van der Westhuizen, who will take to the stage at 21h00 with his signature high-energy performance. He’ll be joined by a vibrant lineup of performers, including Wynand and Cheree, Jay Jay and Grounded.
Adding a distinctly local flavour to the programme are the Sandveld Stoftrappers, a dance group known for their rhythmic “vastrap” style — a lively, foot-stamping traditional dance known as the “Riel” (or “Reel”), rooted in Khoisan heritage and preserved within Afrikaans-speaking rural communities of the West Coast. Their performances celebrate storytelling, heritage and community, often bringing generations together through music and movement. It’s a vibrant expression of the Sandveld’s cultural identity and a highlight not to be missed — and yes, the dust is likely to fly as feet hit the ground in time with the music.
A taste of the Sandveld
Food is a big part of the Sandveld experience, and the festival will showcase a variety of stalls offering everything from hearty local favourites to sweet treats and ice cream. A dedicated festival bar area will keep the refreshments flowing, while visitors browse stalls filled with handmade goods and local products.
Families are well catered for too, with kids’ activities and a fun run (pretloop) adding to the day’s line-up.
Festival-goers are encouraged to bring camping chairs or blankets and settle in on the rugby field, creating a laid-back, picnic-style setting where the day can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
A scenic journey worth the drive
Part of the magic of the Sandveld Fees lies in the journey itself. Just over two and a half hours from Cape Town, the drive to Redelinghuys winds through picturesque, wide-open landscapes, past grazing lands and seasonal wildflowers, offering a gradual shift from city pace to countryside calm. It’s a route that invites you to slow down, roll down the windows and take in the quiet beauty of a region that feels worlds away from the rush of city life.
Travelling via the R27, the route passes through Velddrif, a laid-back riverside town where the Berg River meets the sea. Known for its boating culture, fresh seafood and abundant birdlife, it’s an ideal place to pause, soak up the scenery and stock up on weekend essentials before heading inland, as shops in and around Redelinghuys are limited.
Alternatively, those travelling via the N7 can stop in Piketberg, a charming town set against the foothills of the mountains, before continuing along the scenic R366. This quieter stretch of road winds through farmland and fynbos, with a collection of welcoming farm stalls along the way offering local produce and a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heart.
Make a weekend of it
With so much to experience in and around the Sandveld, visitors are encouraged to turn their trip into a weekend getaway.
Beyond the village, the landscape opens out into a rich blend of nature and heritage — from fynbos and seasonal wildflowers that transform the terrain into a patchwork of colour, to quiet farm roads, historic architecture and traces of early settlement. Nearby, the tranquil waters of Verlorenvlei provide a haven for birdlife, with pelicans, flamingos and fish eagles often spotted across this peaceful landscape — a fitting introduction to the natural beauty of the Sandveld.
Whether you’re drawn to birdwatching, coastal exploration, heritage sites or simply the slower pace of rural life, the area offers a diverse range of experiences — making a visit to the Sandveld Fees the perfect starting point for a weekend of discovery along this beautiful stretch of the West Coast.
“As the first Sandveld Fees prepares to welcome visitors, it promises more than just a day out – it’s an invitation to slow down, explore and connect with a region defined by its landscapes, its people and its unmistakable sense of place,” says Nomonde Ndlangisa.
“The Sandveld Fees is about showcasing the heart of the Sandveld, and Redelinghuys offers visitors a chance to experience genuine West Coast hospitality, beautiful natural surroundings and a strong sense of community. We’re excited to welcome both locals and visitors to be part of something truly special.”
For more information, visit Sandveld Fees Redelinghuys – Bergrivier Tourism.
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