The Wellington Minstrels By Marlene le Roux Every year for nearly 30 years, the Minstrels display their musical talent in Wellington. The difference from Wellington in relation to the Cape Town Coon Carnival is the fact that it originated from the Christmas Bands and Christmas choirs. In the Apartheid era and still today it is sometimes the only platform where the disadvantaged communities can display their talent. The Wellington Minstrels concentrate on the musical talent of the town. They start to practice in September. It has already been proven that the crime rate drops between September and January. Towns like Wellington need these activities as there is no music as a subject at the schools and there are absolutely no cultural centres for young ones to practice there skills. The troupes fundraise for the instruments and for the costumes. For me growing up with this event, it was always a matter of pride and dignity. And the awesome talent there is. For me it is important that this event must be recognised as a huge development for young talent and tourist attraction. Who can perform so passionately in a heat of 40 degrees with an audience coming year after year to see their troupes? Print Top