In 2003 there were more than 40 transnational, national or local Adult or Lifelong Learning Festivals known to have taken place around the world.
This study focuses in depth on one of these that is located in South Africa. It analysis the contribution of a 'learning festival' to the development of a learning region in a middle income country which is concerned with issues of economic development, equity and redress. It locates the South African festival within the literature on learning festivals and learning regions and it provides illustrative examples of three other festivals, namely Singapore, South Eastern Europe and Wales.