Timber iQ Dec 2017 - Jan 2018 // Issue:35 | Page 8

EVENTS
Timber Village hosted the 2017 Timber Festival.
Timber Festival success
confirms #KnysnaRises
Despite the fires ravaging Knysna during June last year which left
a sombre atmosphere behind, the Knynsa Timber Festival saw the
industry come together in full support to turn things around.
By Ntsako Khosa
“The Knysna Timber Initiative (KTI) decided at its very first
meeting after the fires that the Festival would go ahead by
hook or by crook – despite that both the venue, Timber
Village, and my home and office – with all the festival
documents and records – were completely burned to the
ground,” says festival manager, Picca de Bruin. Despite the
fire devastation, the property was cleared and levelled to
accommodate the festival infrastructure and additional
parking. The festival was held from 29 September to
1 October.
In partnership with local economic development
department from the Knysna Municipality, Wesgro,
Woodoc and various contributors, the festival saw people
from far and wide participate and engage with one
another. The aim of the festival was to revive Knysna’s
timber heritage; support Timber Village by marketing the
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DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018 //
business as operational; boost Knysna’s timber economy
(by stimulating sales, and providing a showcase for
products and capabilities); create a business-to-business
platform for players in the timber economy to network
and interact; and stimulate interest in timber among
young people.
Trades people such as saw millers, timber merchants,
furniture manufacturers, artisans, artists, architects,
interior designers, product designers, plantation foresters,
conservation foresters and hobbyists like artists, crafters
and DIYers made up most of the audience. A total of 36
exhibitors were spread out throughout the venue in
marquees as well as outside. There were also outdoor
demonstrations, a Kids zone, lectures and videos as well
See more on page 8