South Africa's party city is gearing up for a mammoth festival which will hit the streets next month and is expected to welcome hundreds of foreign travellers.

Revellers are expected to flock to the annual Cape Town Festival where visitors are invited to let their hair down and enter into the party spirit.

Some of South Africa's top talent heads into the city to entertain the crowds at the event which is held throughout March in various locations.

Musicians from across the world take to the stage alongside comedians, dance performers and actors.

The ninth annual festival is also a chance for local and international artists to display their work with examples of South Africa's diverse culture seen in every corner of the city.

It aims to promote tolerance and diversity and will this year include a range of activities targeting young people.

The festival was first held in 1999 as part of the One City Many Cultures project launched by the event's chairman, Ryland Fisher, who at the time was editor of the Cape Times.

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