WEAR THE HOPE, SHARE THE LIGHT: DESIGN THE MAYOR’S FESTIVE-WEAR TOP FOR 2026

What if your creativity became Cape Town’s Beacon of Hope this festive season?

Every year the Festive Lights Switch-On brings Capetonians together under one sky, one city and thousands of lights. It is a moment of celebration, connection and shared pride.

This year residents have the opportunity to become part of that story through the return of the Wear the Hope, Share the Light Design and Make Challenge.

Now in its second year, the challenge invites Capetonians to design the festive-wear top that will be worn by the  Mayor of Cape Town during the 2026 Festive Lights celebrations.

Inspired by this year’s theme Beacon of Hope, participants are encouraged to create a design that reflects the spirit, resilience, creativity and optimism that make Cape Town shine.

It is open to experienced designer, a student, an artist, a sewing enthusiast, part of a school or community organisation, or simply anyone with a creative idea, this challenge is to all. You do not need to be a professional designer to enter.

The Challenge

Participants are invited to submit a design concept for a festive-wear top inspired by the theme Beacon of Hope. The design may take the form of a jersey, pullover, shirt, jacket or another suitable festive-wear top.

Designs should be festive, creative, bold and wearable while capturing the essence of Cape Town and the values of hope, togetherness, celebration and community spirit.

Entrants are also encouraged to incorporate sustainable thinking into their concepts through the use of recycled or upcycled materials.

How to Enter

At this stage, entrants are only required to submit a design concept and not a completed garment.

1. Your submission should include a design sketch, drawing or visual representation of your proposed festive-wear top.
2. This can be submitted as a PDF or a clear photograph.
3. Alongside the design, entrants must provide a written motivation of no more than 300 words explaining the inspiration behind the concept, how it reflects the Beacon of Hope theme, the story it tells and how sustainable materials could be incorporated into the final garment.
4. Participants should also include their full name, contact details, area of residence within Cape Town and, where applicable, the name of their school, organisation or group.
5. All entries must be emailed to wearhope@capetownfestivelights.co.za using the subject line “Wear the Hope Challenge 2026”.

Important Dates

Entries open: 4 September 2026
Entries close: 2 October 2026
Winning garment completed by: 6 November 2026
Winning design presented to the mayor: 11 November 2026

Late entries will not be considered.

What Happens After You Enter?

All eligible submissions will first be reviewed by an internal panel. From there, the top five designs will be shortlisted and submitted to a panel of independent judges.

After reviewing the shortlisted concepts, the judges will select the winning design.

Entries will be assessed on creativity, originality, interpretation of the theme, sustainability considerations, craftsmanship, visual impact, wearability and storytelling.

Judges will be looking for a design that can shine under the lights of one of Cape Town’s most iconic celebrations while embodying the city’s hopeful and vibrant spirit.

Important Information for Finalists

Entrants should not produce their garments before the winner is selected. Only the winning entrant or team will be required to create the final garment.

To assist with production, the winning designer will receive one of the mayor’s previous festive-wear tops for sizing purposes.

This garment remains the property of the City and must be returned once the final design has been completed.

The winning garment must be ready by 6 November 2026 for presentation to the mayor on 11 November 2026.

Please note that production costs associated with the final garment will be the responsibility of the winning entrant or team.

Winner Recognition

While there is no cash prize, the winning designer or team will receive a unique opportunity to see their creation become the official festive-wear garment worn by the Mayor during the 2026 Festive Lights celebrations.

The winning design will be showcased through City and Festive Lights Switch-On communication platforms, providing valuable recognition and exposure.

In addition, the winner will have the opportunity to nominate a Cape Town community project to receive R5 000 worth of arts supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a professional designer?

No. The challenge is open to everyone, regardless of experience.

Can schools, organisations or groups enter?

Yes. Individual and group entries are welcome.

Do I need to make the garment before entering?

No. Only the winning entrant or team will be required to create the final garment.

What is the theme for 2026?

The theme for the 2026 Festive Lights Switch-On is Beacon of Hope.

Can I use recycled materials in my design?

Absolutely. Sustainable, recycled and upcycled materials are encouraged.

Is there a cash prize?

No. The winner will receive official recognition and the opportunity to nominate a community project to receive arts supplies valued at R5 000.

How do I submit my entry?

Simply email your design concept and supporting information to wearhope@capetownfestivelights.co.za.

When is the closing date?

All entries must be received by 2 October 2026. Late entries will not be considered.

Cape Town’s story has always been written by its people. This festive season your creativity could become a symbol of hope, worn at one of the city’s most beloved celebrations and seen by thousands across the Mother City.