What started as a simple idea on a sunny summer’s day has grown into one of the North Coast’s most loved festive traditions. This December, the Litchi Festival celebrates its 20th year, a milestone that founders Paddy and Heidie Smith can hardly believe themselves.
“It all began back in 2005,” says Heidie. “We had this beautiful old orchard with trees that were over a hundred years old, and they were always dripping with fruit. So, one day we thought, why not let people come and pick their own?”
In those early years, there were no crowds, no social media and no queues winding through the orchard – just a handful of curious locals and a simple love of good fruit. But when a Facebook post unexpectedly went viral, the festival took on a life of its own.
“We suddenly had a hundred thousand hits on that post, it just exploded!” Paddy laughs.
Two decades later, what began as a small community idea has become a beloved annual outing, firmly pencilled into the December calendar. Families arrive from all over – Durban, Joburg, even as far as Cape Town – to fill their buckets, take a tractor ride through the trees and soak up the summer sunshine.
For Paddy, the festival is more than a business. It’s personal. His family roots run deep in the area. His mother attended Umhlali Preparatory School when there were just eight pupils in the class. Now, to see his own children and grandchildren among the litchi trees makes it all the more special.
“Our kids grew up with the Litchi Festival,” he says. “They helped out every year. Now the grandkids are the ones running through the orchards, it’s really lovely to see.”
Over the years, the event has weathered its share of challenges, from fickle crops and feisty monkeys to Covid-19 restrictions and even a leopard sighting in the early days. But the Smiths have never lost sight of what makes it special.
“It’s about keeping it simple,” says Heidie. “Let people relax, enjoy the picking, make it about the fruit and the experience.”
This year’s milestone celebration will be no different, ripe with nostalgia, community spirit and a few fun surprises, including a pip-spitting competition for the kids.
“It’s amazing to think it’s been 20 years,” Heidie smiles. “We’ve seen so many families come back year after year, it’s become a part of their holiday tradition and that’s something really special.”
MAKE YOUR OWN LITCHI LEMONADE
INGREDIENTS
* 20 litchis, peeled and de-pipped
* Half a lemon
* 1 tsp sugar (or to taste)
* Half to 1 cup water
* Lemon slices to garnish
METHOD
Blend the litchis and sugar, then add the lemon juice and water. Stir to combine.
Pour over a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon slice.
Details: Tickets are available at www.litchifestival.co.za. Follow @litchifestival for updates on when the litchis are ready for picking.
