New Year’s Eve with Sexy Groovy Love

Disco, techno & afro beats in a fairytale castle hidden in the mountains

Updated: Tuesday, 5 November 2024

This intimate New Year’s Eve party is hidden in the mountains in a castle guarded by gargoyles and dragons; where the DJs are eclectic; and the guest list is seasoned and exclusive. You’ll arrive early at 3:30pm to soak in the sunset and dip in the heated pool, and leave at 2am, having kissed 2024 in farewell. There’s just 850 tickets for Sexy Groovy Love’s NYE party, which is one of the reasons why it sells out about a month in advance. Here’s 6 reasons why you should go (again).

Sexy Groovy Love hosts boutique festivals at picturesque locations around the Western Cape. Image: Sexy Groovy Love

1. A PRIVATE PARTY IN A CASTLE

The idea is to leave energised, not New Year’s Eve hungover, says Gia Hensburg, marketing and brand manager at Golden Hour, the organisers of the event. 

“You can feel young again for a night, but you’re 20 minutes from your house, you don't have to listen to anything that scares you, you’re with your friends, and you'll be back home by 2am.”

It’s a fairytale setting. In Lichtenstein Castle, the gothic castle perched on Karbonkelberg Mountain in Hout Bay. 

At the entrance of the castle, down the steps, you’re met by the main dance floor, swimming pool and the beautiful look out view. 

In there is a hall with black and white tiles, mirrored walls, and crystal chandeliers. That is the All-Inclusive Lounge, set up to host groups of friends. A specific wrist band gets you in and out of the lounge, which has a bar and seating, and where all your drinks are covered for the evening.

It’s a getaway New Year’s Eve experience with a mature crowd (generally 30 and older). Image: Sexy Groovy Love 

2. COZY SETTING - COME FOR THE SUNSET 

The music will start at 3:30pm, so arrive early to soak in the stunning Hout Bay Harbour views. 

“It’s such a spectacular venue, you want to be able to have a bit of sunshine and look out across that whole Hout Bay Harbour and Hout Bay before the sun dips behind the mountains,” says Gia.

There will be a lawn area at the back of the dance floor with a bar and a stretch tent to keep you covered and cozy. There is another space downstairs that is completely open so you can get the full sun.

Indigo, a DJ from Joburg, will be the opening act at 3:30pm. “She has an afro sound, which will be a nice, relaxed way to get us started and to enjoy the last bits of the summer sun,” says Gia.

People attending the music festival can use the pool at any time. Image: Sexy Groovy Love

3. EXCITING HEADLINERS

It’s going to be an eclectic mix of DJs. The headliner is German and Nigerian DJ JAMIIE, who has a funky and groovy electronic industrial sound that also has a bit of afro influence. 

She’s got experience in both clubs (small crowds) and festival crowds, having played both Tomorrowland and Hï Ibiza (a 360 nightlife experience showcasing the world’s top DJs).

“Her music is more house, but you can definitely feel that chuggy afrobeat,” says Gia. 

JAMIIE will perform from 11pm to 12.30am, so she’ll count down with the crowd into 2025. Another highlight, says Gia, is “our national treasure” Floyd Lavine. “He's such a massive artist, who plays in these massive events, so it's going to be nice to see him in an intimate setting.”

Attendees can explore the castle’s ballroom, heated pool, and secluded waterfall. Image: Sexy Groovy Love

4. NEW YEAR'S EVE HIGHLIGHTS 

As the sun sets, Devi will play a blend of house and progressive underground sounds with some classic tracks that you’ll recognise. 

“She is one of my favourites,” says Gia, “She appeals to a vast demographic of age groups, whether you’re in your 50s or 20s.”

Gia is also really excited about Jordan Arts, who mixes DJing with live instruments, mostly his saxophone. 

“You’ll appreciate the musical artistry happening live in front of you.” 

Instead of a hard closing set, you’ll end your night (or early morning) with Purple Floyd, a DJ duo of brothers with fun funky disco and indie tunes, so you can enter the new year light-hearted and joyful.

There’s a food market that serves up quick bites like pizza, and vegan options. Image: Sexy Groovy Love

5. NYE CAPE TOWN 2024 TICKETS

This is a boutique party with just 850 tickets. 

Early Bird tickets are already gone, and Sexy Bird tickets priced at R1 550 each are about to sell out.

The next phase will be available for R1 750. The All-Inclusive ticket gives you access to a private lounge and a dedicated bar, plus unlimited drinks for the evening for R2 950. 

Tickets can be bought through Howler. 
 

6. PARKING & DIRECTIONS (+ A DRAGON SKELETON) 

Parking and drop-off will be behind The Lookout (in the parking area behind the old Mojo’s Restaurant and Tapas Bar) on Harbour Road. 

A complimentary shuttle service will drive to and from the venue since cars won’t be allowed through the castle gates. 

The drive to the castle, no more than 5 minutes, is an adventure itself (keep your eye out for the massive dragon skeleton on your drive there). 

Shuttles will run throughout the event, so you can leave at any time.

Use Google Maps to find the parking lot.

SPOTIFY MIX

Here’s a taster of what you can expect on the dance floor:

HAVE A SEXY, GROOVY NYE 

Sexy Groovy Love The Castle is happening: 31 December 2024, 3:30pm to 2am

Find it: The Lichtenstein Castle | Hout Bay

Cost: R 1 550 for Sexy Bird tickets, R1 750 for Late Bird tickets, R 2 950 for All Inclusive tickets 

Book: Via Howler 

Contact them on: @sexygroovylove

By Saarah Gierdien

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Explore our top picks of NYE events happening in and around Cape Town  

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