THE annual Mardi Gras attracted more than 25000 people to Wynberg’s William Herbert sportsground this year.

People’s Post is the print media sponsor of the event which ran over two weekends; from 26 to 28 January and 3 to 4 February.

People’s Post editor Feroza Miller-Isaacs praised the collaborative efforts of BGS Consultants and all those who sponsored prizes for the Miss Mardi Gras pageant. The sponsors were Velocity Cars, Soundtech, Baxter Theatre, Kenilworth Centre, Long Beach Mall, and De Noordhoek Hotel.

BGS Consultants chairperson Rashid Cloete described the Mardi Gras as “a huge success”.

There were attractions for all visitors, with free entry for children under 12 years.

Cloete cited the childrens’ rides run by the City of Cape Town as a highlight.

The Mardi Gras also treated orphans from Habibiya Childrens’ Home and Heavens Nest to free entry, meals and rides.

The Boy Band Competition was won by local performers Vibe, who crooned their way to R10 000 in prize money.

Marche Martin was crowned Miss Mardi Gras Queen.

Her prizes included R5000 cash from People’s Post and a Samsung Computer Notepad and Canon printer valued at R5000 (sponsored by Soundtech).

Martin and her first and second princesses all won vouchers from De Noordhoek Hotel including dinner, bed and breakfast and shopping vouchers from Kenilworth Centre and Long beach Mall.

In addition, the first princess received R3000 from People’s Post and the second princess R2000.

The Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch sponsored tickets for all 12 Miss Mardi Gras finalists, valued at R3500.

“Hearty thanks to everyone in the community who supported the Mardi Gras, contributing to its success this year,” said Miller-Isaacs.

“Peoples Post is proud to be the print media partner of this important initiative and looks forward to a continued partnership.”