Enjoy some family fun at the Kwasuka Sukela: Building Bridges festival
Mark your calendars for a jubilant celebration of arts, culture, fashion and food at the Kwasuka Sukela: Building Bridges festival.
This day-long event, presented by the National Arts Council (NAC) in collaboration with Hot Toffee Communications, the Msunduzi Municipality and Msunduzi Library Services, promises a delightful experience for the entire family.
With an engaging array of activities, the festival offers something for everyone. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant mix of storytelling, music, poetry, art exhibitions and live performances.
A highlight of the event is the dedicated Kidz Zone, featuring a jungle gym, jumping castle and a mobile library, creating a fun and safe environment for younger attendees while also serving as part of a charity drive.
This year’s festival also boasts a stellar line-up of esteemed artists who will grace the stage.
Participants will be enthralled by the enchanting tales of legendary storytellers Dr Gcina Mhlophe and Mzwandile Ntombela.
Music lovers will enjoy performances from acclaimed local acts such as Dr Madala Kunene, a cherished figure in Zulu folk-blues, and award-winning artists including Mthobisi Mthalane and Pretty & The Music.
In addition, audiences will be treated to poetry recitals from celebrated poets like Sthembile Thingo Gwala and Nkululeko Mdladla, ensuring a rich tapestry of artistic expression throughout the day.
The visual arts segment promises to be equally stimulating, with a curated exhibition spearheaded by Dawn Melanie, showcasing works from local artists such as Lelo Mncwango, John Rogers, and Brian Zondi, the festival's creative director.
The celebration will also include exhibitions from budding fashion designers and crafters, alongside performances by local DJs such as KBZL, Ladee M, and Usduhmore.
Where: Shukus Greenleaf Estate in Pietermaritzburg.
When: Saturday, 15 December, from 10am.
Cost: Tickets range from R50 to R450 and are available through Webtickets, at Pick n Pay outlets, or at the gate on the day of the event.
Drakensberg Extravaganza Music Experience
Music lovers, mark your calendars for the Drakensberg Extravaganza Music Experience.
With an impressive line-up featuring top-tier local and international artists, this festival promises a rich tapestry of musical genres, including gqom, amapiano, maskandi, afrobeat, pop, and hip-hop.
Headliners like Mthandeni SK, Dlala Thukzin, Blaq Diamond, DJ Happy Gal, Sphectacula & Naves, and Selbeyonce Mkhize will take the stage, delivering unforgettable performances that are sure to energise the crowd.
The well-known artists will be joined by a host of rising stars and many more fan favourites.
Attendees can look forward to an experience synonymous with past events, offering ample and safe parking, a variety of food and beverage vendors, clean ablution facilities, robust security measures, and on-site medical support to ensure a safe and pleasurable atmosphere.
Where: Woodstock Dam, Bergville.
When: Saturday, December 14, from 3pm to 6am the following morning.
Cost: Tickets are available through Ticketpro and at Spar outlets for R150 general access and R600 VIP. Small cooler boxes will be charged at R50.
Workshop of Wonders
At the same time, families are invited to embrace the festive spirit with the delightful Workshop of Wonders. The event aims to capture the essence of a traditional Christmas, featuring a host of festive-themed activities tailored for younger visitors.
They include cookie decorating, snow slime creation, bauble making and a bead bar for jewellery and charm creation
Additionally, Santa will make a special appearance at the centre, welcoming children for photos and letters from December 12 to 24 between 9am and 7pm at the Cinema Level.
To further enrich the holiday experience, charity gift wrapping stations will be available from December 13 to December 24, with all proceeds benefitting the St Martin’s Diocesan Home for Children in Glenwood, a cornerstone institution assisting orphaned and vulnerable children for over a century.
Culminating the festive celebrations, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra is set to perform a free Christmas concert featuring seasonal favourites under the baton of newly appointed conductor Chad Hendricks at the Pavilion Food Court on Monday, December 16 at 6pm.
A rooftop market on December 21 will also provide last-minute shopping opportunities for delightful stocking fillers and unique gift ideas.
Where: The Pavilion Shopping Centre.
When: Runs until December 24
Cost: Free entry