The City of Cape Town is adding a creative twist to its annual Festive Lights Switch-On celebration by launching the Mayor’s Festive-Wear Challenge 2025 under the banner Wear the Hope – Share the Light. This exciting new initiative invites all Capetonians to design and make the Mayor’s annual festive top.
For the past three years, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has appeared at the Switch-On in a different Christmas-themed jersey. Now, the city is calling on its residents—fashion students, sewing clubs, schools, elders, crafters, and families—to create a fun and meaningful festive-wear piece, whether a jersey, pullover, or shirt.
The winning creation will debut during the testing of the City’s Festive Lights on 11 November 2025, before being worn by the Mayor on the main stage at the Switch-On concert, where over 80,000 Capetonians gather.
Mayor Hill-Lewis said: “The Festive Lights Switch-On is about more than switching on the bulbs – it’s about shining a light on Cape Town’s creativity, joy and hope. I can’t wait to wear the winning creation and showcase our people’s talent.”
How to Enter
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Open to all Capetonians, individuals or groups.
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Entries close midnight, 6 October 2025.
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Submit a design sketch or concept description (PDF or photo) with a short write-up (max 300 words).
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Include your name, contact details, location, and organisation/group name (if applicable).
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Email to wearhope@capetownfestivelights.co.za with subject line Wear the Hope Challenge 2025.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated on creativity, originality, sustainability, theme interpretation (hope and unity), craftsmanship, and the story behind the design. The creation should shine under stage lights and reflect Cape Town’s vibrancy—joyful, hopeful, bold, and dignified.
The Prize
Instead of cash, the winner earns community recognition:
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Their creation worn by the Mayor at the Switch-On events.
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Invitation on stage with the Mayor to help switch on the lights.
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A professional photo shoot of the winning design.
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A community donation of creative materials worth R5,000 in their name to a local sewing/knitting group, school, or creative hub.
For full details, visit: City of Cape Town Festive Lights Switch-On.
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