Despite a chill in the air, the spirit on the opening night of the 2015 VOC Festival was warm and inviting, as VOC staff looked to welcome back festival-goers after a break last year. An electric vibe, like never before, this year the VOC Festival opened with song, dance and a special march by staff members.

Donning red, staff and members of the station’s structures stood with their glow sticks in hand, lights in the Vygieskraal dimmed, while presenter Irafaan Abrahams and his team of cyclists did a lap of honour.

The chairman of the festival committee, Rashaad Fryddie announced the official opening just as an amazing fireworks display filled the sky in Athlone.

The highly anticipated event drew in hundreds of festival goers as they sat in the stands and watched the opening ceremony. The atmosphere took on new heights as the new VOC Festival song echoed through the stadium.

The VOC festival song, a tune reminding listeners of the radio station’s 20 years of community service, led the group of staff as they walked, welcoming festival goers to the event. The ceremony signified the kick off point for all entertainment and fun on offer throughout the weekend.

In his address, the chairperson of the Muslim Broadcasting Corporation Board of Trustees, Sheikh Achmat Sedick, reminded the audience of the important role the radio station plays in the lives of Muslims. He also thanked the loyal listeners who have supported the radio station no matter the circumstances.

A special word of support from one of the VOC’s main festival sponsors, Peninsula Beverage’s Riedwaan Allie who spoke about the importance of supporting and giving back to the community through efforts like VOC’s festival.

As the evening fell, bringing with it the cold winter conditions, the spirit of all those at the festival was not dampened and families gathered in the stands to watch the ever-popular ulema soccer match.

VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)