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The Galileo Open Air Cinema Brings a Brand New Film Experience to Durban

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Launching in Durban this August, The Galileo Open Air Cinema takes entertainment to a new level with a diversity of all-time classic films enjoyed under the stars in a unique garden setting.

Durban, 22 July 2013 – Growing up with drive-ins, many South Africans are familiar to the concept of open air cinemas. The Galileo however will provide Durban with an entirely new film experience when it launches this August. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush flora, this unique cinema is ideally positioned at Makaranga Botanical Garden in Kloof. Movie-goers of all ages will be able to enjoy a range of old block-buster films each week, with tantalising local delicacies available to purchase.

MAKARANGA
Open Air Cinema at Makaranga Botanical Garden

Founded by Huenu Solsona and Thomas Brauer, the concept for The Galileo was born from a love of film, along with the need for a different type of experience for film fans. The duo kicked off the concept in Cape Town in November 2012 and ran movies for the summer season at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens until April 2013. Co-founder Thomas Brauer says “We were both surprised by the huge popularity of the movies. Some shows sold out in just a few days! It was pretty much a box-smashing hit from the first show to the last.”

The duo’s success in Cape Town prompted them to expand to other areas of South Africa, and Durban, with its mild, drier winters, was next on the list.

 

“Where the Stars Shine”

The cinema is set to launch in Durban on 7 August at Makaranga in Kloof. Movies will start at 18h30 and entry to the movie area will open at 16h00, giving movie-goers ample time to get a bite to eat from a variety of delicious food on location.
Shows will run every Wednesday for the months of Augsut and September and movies include such classics as Pretty Woman, Top Gun and Love Actually. Tickets are available online through The Galileo’s website or directly through Webtickets and cost R70.

A Brand New Experience

What sets The Galileo aside from conventional cinemas (other than the chance to enjoy movies under a ceiling of stars) is that it is more than just a film, it is an experience. Ideal for a romantic date, a fun evening out with friends and family or the perfect way to relax during a busy week, every show promises a rewarding and social experience.
The Galileo co-founder Huenu Solsona believes that it is the social aspect that makes for a memorable evening.
Says Huenu,”The Galileo is much more than just movies. People come to socialise, catch up with friends, spoil a girlfriend or simply do something different. The social aspect is just as important as the movie itself and often people come as soon as doors open to enjoy as much time as possible mingling before the movie starts. Our experience of The Galileo in Cape Town has been incredibly positive and we are really excited to be able to bring the concept to Durban now.”
For locals and visitors alike, the launch of The Galileo Open Air Cinema is sure to provide the best way to wind off the day. For more information and ticket sales, visit http://www.thegalileo.co.za/ or call 071 471 8728. Bookings are now open online.

About The Galileo Open Air Cinema:

The Galileo Open Air Cinema was founded by Huenu Solsona and Thomas Brauer in November 2012 to bring the concept of outdoor film enjoyment to South Africa. Hosted initially at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town, shows ran over the course of the 2012/2013 summer season. Winter 2013 will mark the first season in Durban and more locations and extended seasons are coming soon.
Contact:
Huenu Solsona – Co-Founder

+27 (0) 74 111 6606
huenu@thegalileo.co.za
www.thegalileo.co.za

 

Durbanite
Author: Durbanite

Attractions

Splashy Fen 2025: An Inspiring Long Weekend of Music, Magic, and Memories in the Drakensberg

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Splashy Fen Music Festival has officially wrapped, and by all accounts, the 2025 edition was the most magical one yet. From the moment the gates opened on Thursday, 17 April to the last note played on Sunday night, 8,000 festival-goers soaked up four glorious days of sunshine, music, and connection in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg.

After a few days of pre-festival rain, the weather turned just in time to welcome fans to South Africa’s friendliest music festival. The sunshine held strong throughout the weekend, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable Easter celebration filled with laughter, dancing, and community.

A SOLD-OUT FESTIVAL FROM DAY ONE

By Thursday evening, over 5,500 happy campers had already made their way into the scenic Splashy Fen farm, with the festival officially reaching full capacity the day before the gates even opened. The 2025 edition was officially opened by Cllr. T.N. Jojozi, Deputy Mayor of the Harry Gwala District Municipality, who welcomed guests on behalf of the Harry Gwala Development Agency.

Thursday night kicked off with the first wave of live performances and set the tone for the weekend.

From there, the lineup only got hotter.

DAYS OF MUSIC AND MAGIC

Friday and Saturday were packed with showstopping performances across the multiple stages. Local heroes like Ard Matthews, Hot Water, Veranda Panda, and Prime Circle brought the heat, while the Main Stage turned electric with international artists including the UK’s Youngr, a surprise performance from Casey Lowery, Ireland’s Darren Kiely, and Canada’s Neon Dreams.

Mafikizolo delivered a legendary Saturday night set that brought thousands to their feet, and GoodLuck closed out the evening with a high-energy performance that had the whole crowd bouncing.

Away from the stages, festival-goers enjoyed the full Splashy experience: sunrise yoga, trail runs, live art, craft workshops, and plenty of family-friendly fun. The popular Kids Zone was buzzing with activity, and the Saturday afternoon Splashy Parade was a visual feast of stilt-walkers, dragons, fire breathers, and whimsical characters.

At the Corona River Stage, guests kicked back in the sun to chilled tunes by the water, while a bustling craft market and food court offered up everything from gourmet bites to handmade treasures.

A SUNDAY TO REMEMBER

Easter Sunday was pure joy. The day began with a peaceful morning service hosted by Red Frogs SA at the tranquil Treehouse Stage, followed by a fun-filled Easter egg hunt for the little ones—complete with games, giggles, and surprise eggs from the Easter Bunny herself.

Music lovers made their way to the Acoustic Stage for the much-loved Legends of the Fen showcase. Featuring iconic acts like Cinema, Perez, and more, the session reminded everyone why Splashy Fen holds such a special place in South Africa’s music history.

As the sun dipped behind the Drakensberg mountains, the Main Stage roared to life for one final night of performances, closing out the weekend with soaring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and thunderous applause.

“Our legs are sore, our voices are gone, but our hearts? FULL,” read a Monday morning post from Splashy Fen’s official social media page. “Shoutout to every artist who brought the fire at Main Stage last night, and every fan who screamed every word. What a way to end #Splashy2025!”

THE BEST ONE YET

With four full days of world-class music, family-friendly fun, and community connection in one of the most beautiful festival locations in the world, Splashy Fen 2025 has earned its title as the best one yet.

For more information and to stay up to date on 2026 tickets and artist announcements, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or follow @splashyfenfest on Instagram and Facebook.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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The East Coast Radio House & Garden Show 2025

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It’s fresh, bright and chockfull of surprises! It’s the 2025 East Coast Radio House & Garden Show, and we’re talking fresh spaces. bright living! A giant breath of fresh air will sweep through the Durban Exhibition Centre when the Show rolls out from Friday 28 June to Sunday 6 July.

fresh spaces. bright living is all about how to tweak or transform your home into one which brings you joy, and allows you to be you! Whether it’s little touches of stylish decor or large sweeps of bold colour and pattern, you’ll leave the Show bursting with new skills from the experts, bright ideas from different brands… and loads of goodies and parcels. Jump on board, the 2025 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show promises to fill your head with creativity to create your own fresh spaces. bright living.

Calling all cooks and homemakers!

This year’s Test Kitchen is the kitchen of the future! Hirsch is at the helm and The Kitchen Studio is creating a space that’ll knock your socks off. Top celebrity chefs (surprises up our sleeve), fabulous personalities (guess who?), crazy cooks (laughter is the best medicine)… the line-up is as long as it is sensational! If cooking’s your happy place, the Hirsch kitchen is the only place to be.

The 2025 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is going to be child’s play!

This is Durban’s true family show, and we’ve got you well covered for the first week of the school holidays! From littlelies to larger, this year’s kids zone has mushroomed into its own dedicated hall, and has way, way more of what they love! And parents, this one’s for you. Drop and shop – there’s now a super-safe, well supervised drop-off zone, so you can do your thing, while they do theirs. A dedicated Kids Zone in the Coast of Dreams, with a whacky wonderland of activities. Packed with fun, yet competitive, activities and challenges, teens can put their skills to the test! From the incredible Monster Manor to fairytale characters to face-painting, wrestling and bowling, the kids just won’t want to go home.

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is always full of winners

And why shouldn’t it be you? With competitions big and small, you could carry home anything from the coolest kitchen appliance to the hottest sound system, a tantalising voucher to something or somewhere sensational or bags full of your favourite products.

This season, the Show is shining a full spotlight on fresh spaces, bright living, both outdoors and in! Plants, landscaping and new tricks and tools for garden lovers; boys’ toys and bits and bobs for outdoor lovers; and goodies and gadgets for those who live to braai! Renovating, restoring or dreaming of adventure, the Show will take you where you want to go.

We can’t wait to see you there!
www.housegardenshow.co.za

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Get Ready for the Supertech Torque Motoring Festival

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The Supertech Torque Motoring Festival is set to return to Dezzi Raceway on April 19th and 20th, 2025.
This annual event, organized by the Supertech Group, promises a weekend filled with high-speed action, family-friendly activities, and entertainment.


Event Highlights:

  • Hot Laps & Drifting: Experience the thrill of high-speed laps and drifting exhibitions.
  • Custom Dip Experience: Showcases of vehicle customization and styling.
  • BMW M Driving Experience Show: A display of BMW’s performance vehicles in action.
  • Spin Show Extravaganza: Professional drivers performing precision stunts.
  • Official BMW Merchandise Pop-Up Store: Exclusive merchandise available for purchase.
  • Circuit Racing Action: Competitive racing events featuring various classes.
  • Stunt Shows & Historic Feats: Daring performances and record attempts.
  • Helicopter Flips: Aerial tours offering a unique perspective of the event.
  • Torque Fashion Show & Concours: A blend of automotive excellence and fashion.
  • Miniature Radio-Control Car Track: Interactive activities for all ages.
  • M Lounge: An exclusive area for Supertech M & M Performance customers.
  • VIP Hospitality Lounge: Premium services and amenities for VIP guests.
  • Family Fun Time: Activities and entertainment suitable for families.

Ticket Information:

  • General Access: R200 (Available Online)

  • Kids (Under 10 Years): Free (Available Online)

  • VIP Access: R1500 (Includes private viewing deck, seating, complimentary snacks, and beverages)

  • Hot Laps: R300 (Available exclusively on the MySupertechWorld App)

  • Drift Rides: R350 (Available exclusively on the MySupertechWorld App)

  • Helicopter Flips: R750 (Available exclusively on the MySupertechWorld App)

Daily Schedule:

Saturday, April 19th:

  • 09:00 AM – 09:45 AM: Circuit Racing – Session 1

  • 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Hot Laps

  • 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Drifting Show

  • 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Drift Rides

  • 01:00 PM – 01:45 PM: Spinning Show

  • 02:00 PM – 02:45 PM: Stunt Show – SA Record Attempt

  • 03:00 PM – 03:45 PM: Circuit Racing – Session 2

  • 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM: Auction

  • 04:00 PM – 04:30 PM: Fashion Show

  • 04:45 PM – 05:00 PM: M Car Convoy Parade Lap

Sunday, April 20th:

  • 09:00 AM – 09:45 AM: Circuit Racing – Session 1

  • 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Hot Laps

  • 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Drifting Show

  • 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Drift Rides

  • 01:00 PM – 01:45 PM: Spinning Show

  • 02:00 PM – 02:45 PM: Stunt Show – SA Record Attempt

  • 03:00 PM – 03:45 PM: Circuit Racing – Session 2

  • 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM: Fashion Show

Additional Information:

To enhance the festival experience, attendees are encouraged to download the MySupertechWorld App, which offers exclusive access to certain tickets and up-to-date event information. The festival is designed to cater to all ages, making it an ideal outing for families, car enthusiasts, and those seeking a weekend of excitement.

For more details and ticket purchases, visit the official Supertech Group website or follow their social media channels for the latest updates.

Don’t miss out on this premier motoring event that brings together speed, style, and entertainment in one exhilarating festival.

 

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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