The eThekwini Municipality has shifted up a gear to prove once again that they have the capacity and expertise to successfully host yet another huge international event, the Top Gear Festival. On the back of hosting the Comrades Marathon, and a multitude of major events in the City, the Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo announced that the City is ready to host the international motoring extravaganza.

“Hosting the Top Gear Festival has huge economic spin-offs for the city, estimated at more than R90 million, and the vast international exposure means a massive boost for Durban and the KZN region,” said Mayor James Nxumalo. “The City has enjoyed an estimated 140 000 visitors over the past four weeks due to the number of events taking place here. The impact of this is not to be under-estimated. All these events play an important role in positioning Durban as an international events and tourism hub, and is a strategic move to ensure that Durban remains on the global radar as a tourism and investment destination,” said Mayor James Nxumalo.

The City is ready to entertain the thousands of international and local motoring fans. The Moses Mabhida Stadium will host the Live Show presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and the STIG, but the event is not just about the stadium show.

Formula One World Champion Mika Häkkinen will be interviewed live on stage in the Ultimate Village along with a number of legends and celebrities all in action. Top Gear’s street circuit, which is 2.8 kilometres long and winding around the streets of Durban, will allow Durbanites to be active part of the spectacular two day event.

The street circuit will start at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, run along Masabalala Yengwa (NMR) Avenue, Sandile Thusi (Argyle) Road, through the Natal Command site, past Suncoast Casino and the Kings Park Pool to return at the stadium.

This year the street track includes a few new elements - a chicane and two hairpin bends - one outside the Kings Park swimming pool and the other located outside the Drive-in site. The new and improved track will ensure that spectators get the most out of their street circuit experience with the Chicane allowing stunt drivers to slow down just a little so that the public can view the supercars.

“Over the past few weeks, residents saw the structures being put in place for the event. Installation of the safety barriers is well underway and should be completed by the 10 June with the handover of the street track by 13 June,” said Philip Sithole, Head of the Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit

The track inside the Moses Mabhida Stadium is also completed - in time for the Stig to enthral fans with thrilling antics and stunts.

“All progress with the arrangements for the festival are proceeding well and going according to schedule,” added Sithole.

The Metro Police and the eThekwini Transport Authority have also been working on a traffic management plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

“There will be road closures during the weekend of the show, however these will be minimised to prevent inconvenience to the motorists. We appeal to motorists to find alternate routes and to exercise care and patience during the road closures,” he said.

Practice sessions will take place two days before the festival and this is where the road closures will take effect. “The practice sessions will take place along the M4: Ruth First Highway. On 13- 14 June, roads will be closed from 09:00 am â€" 14:30 pm.”

Full road closures will take effect on the actual festival days which is 15-16 June and the roads affected are Sylvester Ntuli, Battery Beach Road, Sandile Thusi Road, Mashabalala Yengwa Avenue and Suncoast Boulevard. (See annexure for full details and maps)

Metro Police will be on duty to assist and guide motorists through the precinct.

ENDS 

For more information contact Thabo Mofokeng on 031 311 4820 or 0827317456 or e-mail mofokengthabo@durban.gov.za.

Issued by the eThekwini Communications Unit contact Sohana Singh on 031 311 4805/083 3090207 or email sohana.singh@durban.gov.za or Sane Shandu on 031 311 4806 or 072 572 8658 or email: sanelisiwe.shandu@durban.gov.za

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