The highly anticipated Dinosaur World Festival in Cape Town, which was scheduled to commence in Wynberg on Friday, has been abruptly shut down by city authorities.
Why was the Cape Town edition of Dinosaur World Festival shut down?
The Dinosaur World Festival in Cape Town promised an extraordinary experience, featuring a vast “Jurassic jungle” suitable for families and enthusiasts.
The event was designed to be both educational and entertaining, showcasing an array of attractions across a sprawling 12,000m2 area in Maynardville Park. These attractions included the Dino Expo, Jurassic Giants, Dinosaur Street Theatre and among others, the very popular Reptile Show.
However, according to the City of Cape Town, the event organiser proceeded with the festival without obtaining a valid Land-Use permit for Maynardville Park in Wynberg, with the application for such a permit still pending at the time of the event.
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This unauthorised hosting of the event prompted immediate action from the authorities, City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo revealed.
During a visit to the event site, the permit officer noted significant safety concerns. There were reportedly no medical personnel on-site, and groups of young children were present in an environment that was deemed unsafe.
“While the City supports events and will continue to play its role as an enabler, it is important that events are hosted in a safe environment that is in accordance with the law,” Tyhalibongo said.
In response to these violations, the event organiser has been fined for hosting an event without the necessary permits.
Expo organisers release statement following shutdown
In a statement released hours after the shut down, Dinosaur World Festival took to social media to confirm the expo, “which was originally scheduled to open its doors on the 22nd of September 2023, has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.”
“In our ongoing efforts to bring this incredible event to life, we have been in constant communication with the Cape Town Event Application Office since July. Despite our meticulous planning and investments of millions of Rands, we received unexpected communication from the Event Permit Office only today, stating that The Dino Expo cannot proceed as planned,” the statement read.
While no information was noted about how ticketholders can process refunds, the expo organisers vowed to “resolve this matter and secure a new date for The Dino Expo.”
“We kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this challenging time. Your support and enthusiasm for our event mean the world to us, and we remain committed to bringing you an unforgettable experience,” Dinosaur World wrote.
