The 1820 Settlers National Monument,[1] which honours the contribution to South African society made by the British 1820 Settlers, overlooks[2] Makhanda in the Eastern Cape.

It commemorates the Anglo-Africans, as well as the English language,[3] as much as the settlers themselves.

Ever since the monument's opening on 13 July 1974, the festival has been held there every year, except for in 1975.

The main theatre in the monument complex is named after Guy Butler.

The monument was devastated by a fire in 1994[6] and rebuilt[7] and was officially re-dedicated by Nelson Mandela in May 1996.