brainwavez.org | In Pictures: The 2011 Cape Town Zombie Walk, Part 2

In Pictures: The 2011 Cape Town Zombie Walk, Part 2
A brainwavez.org Cultural Experience In Cape Town, South Africa

By: Mandy J Watson on 31 October 2011
Category: Culture > Features
Tags: #horror, #zombies

Passersby screamed in terror (well, some of them; most looked bewildered and a handful looked delighted) as the Capetonian zombie horde continued on its path of mayhem towards the V&A Waterfront. Here, in pictures, is part 2 of this now annual HorrorFest event.

From Thibault Square and Hans Strijdom Avenue the mayhem continued. If you haven't seen part 1, you're missing out - here it is. If you're up to speed, continue reading.

The zombie walk's destination was the V&A Waterfront. While much of the city centre was deserted due to it being late on a Sunday afternoon, the Waterfront was a hub of activity and events, and filled with bewildered tourists. The horde made its way along the pedestrian walkways and through the heart of the complex, occasionally pretending to attack passersby, scaring many of them in the process.

On The Road Again When we ended part 1 the first of the zombies were crossing Hans Strijdom Avenue. We begin part 2 with more undead shuffling across the intersection.

Brainless Shuffle The zombies made their way through the open triangular lot near the foreshore where Loop and Long Streets join.

Advancing Terror Under a cloudy sky the zombies crossed the open lot filled with muddy puddles. It was a post-apocalyptic scene straight out of a movie.

Bridge Of Horrors The route led over the new pedestrian bridge that spans the inbound half of Buitengracht Street. Pedestrians crossing from the other direction were caught up in the horde. Some were amused at the experience while others fearfully kept to the side of the bridge as zombies tried to eat them. As the horde crossed above the road cars below hooted their support.

Road To Nowhere At the end of the pedestrian bridge another temporary forcefield awaited the zombie hordes as threatening clouds formed in the sky above. About a third of the horde appears in the photograph above.

Ready... Set... Stumble Once given the green light, the zombies shambled across the intersection in groups, while some stragglers lurched at cars that were trapped at the intersection while waiting for the light to change.

Menacing Presence This zombie, in trendy blood-spattered white, roared menacingly at the tourists on top of the red City Sightseeing bus. The tourists, unfortunately, just looked confused. Perhaps their interpreter doesn't speak zombie. Moral of the story? Get the hell away from tourists when the real zombie apocalypse happens - they'll only slow you down and are therefore best utilised as distracting zombie fodder.

Rescue Me An ambulance parked at the Caltex garage at the entrance to the Waterfront to monitor the walk and be on standby for emergencies joined in on the fun.

Contagion Blood drops, spatters, and hand prints, left by zombies as they lurched for their victims, could be seen all along the route.

Handyprints These prints may be all that's left of Frank the handyman....

(Ok, that's not actually true, because he was one of the marshals guiding us across the intersections.)

Best Dressed Even as a zombie you can accessorise gaping wounds with trendy sunglasses and stylish, understated jewellery.

Doom Is Nigh The zombies, which had once again fractured into groups due to intersection crossing, gathered near Vida e Caffè until everyone had assembled. Then they raced en masse down the stairs towards the pedestrian bridge that spans the water, scaring tourists who were probably expecting a tranquil afternoon at the Waterfront. From there they headed towards the amphitheatre and the route's final stop: Mitchell's Brewery.

Norse Nightmare One of the best stumblers at the event was this Norse-inspired zombie, who did a great job of staying in character as she lurched around the Waterfront.

This Zombie Is Having You For Dinner Tonight Though the event was winding down this zombie remained in character, spewing fake blood and then lunging at a group of fascinated teenagers, who ran in terror.

The End Of The Road The final gathering point was Mitchell's Brewery. As usual the place was packed and the zombies delighted in attacking the tourists sitting outside at the restaurant. After some final words from the leader, and apparently some giveaways, which I missed, the group slowly dispersed and I, having had far too much exercise for one day, lumbered sympathetically back to my car (which was parked miles away).

The zombie walk was an immense amount of fun. The participants put incredible effort into their makeup and costumes and the combined effect was wonderful. I can't wait for next year's event, though I hope that more zombies will remember to shuffle and groan, not walk and talk, as that really completes the terrifying effect.

Did you miss part 1 of the 2011 Cape Town Zombie Walk? Click here to see the photos. Also visit the Facebook links in the "On The Internet" section below for more photos and discussions about makeup, all of which is great inspiration to help you be a better zombie for your next zombie walk.

The 2011 Cape Town Zombie Walk was an official event of the 2011 HorrorFest.