Events

SA Laser Nationals

Published

11 years ago

22 March 2015

Durbanite

The 2015 edition of the SA Laser Nationals will unfold offshore off Durban over the May Day weekend kicking off on 30 April until 3 May.

The Laser is the most popular single-handed sailing dinghy in the world and the annual event is hoping that close to 80 boats from around the country will hit the water to compete. Top South African sailors along with a handful of international competitors will take to the Indian Ocean in the hope of being crowned national champion.

Lining up at the start to defend their titles that they won last year in the Western Cape will be local lads, Rudy McNeil and Sam Lombard together with the rose of Durban’s Laser community, Frances van Breda. Van Breda recently competed in the 2014 Audi Laser Master World Championships in France, with the lessons learnt in Europe, she promises to be a feisty competitor in her home conditions.

Another big name is the 2012 winner from when it was last held in Durban; Stefano Marcia from Cape Town has been doing loads of training in Spain and more recently in Australia in his campaign to compete in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Australian Grand Master, Colin Dibb confirmed that he would be travelling to his place of birth to compete. With a string of world champion titles to his name, he will be returning to his old hunting ground to show his class. Dibb came third overall in the 2012 Laser Nationals and was the recipient of the Grand Master or ‘Greybeard’ Trophy.

Top local lads, Rudy McNeil and Sam Lombard will be back to defend their titles, along with top national and international sailors. McNeil is hoping that 2015 will be a better year for him having been plagued by injuries last year. The young Lombard recently competed in Japan, not doing as well as he had hoped, finishing 21st in the silver fleet but claims that he hopes to improve on his performance in years to come.

Joining them are other locals Michael McNeil who placed third in his class last year; Campbell Alexander; Trent Bingham; and Richard Bates. Doing well on the club circuit, Henri Frencken will also be hitting the water.

Flying the flag for the Western Cape contingent along with Marcia are Alan Keen, Ken Holiday, Lance Burger, Ralph Thomas and Alistair Keytel. Keen is preparing for the Laser Worlds in Kingston, Canada taking place in July.

Rudolph Holm and Shellee Nel will be leading a contingent of young sailors from Gauteng.

Campbell Alexander stated, “This is the second time in many years that we are hosting the Laser Nationals in our home waters. Durban in May is at its best with the beach, the sun, the great sea swells and good breeze – and when the breeze picks up fantastic wave riding. I am sure that everyone competing will love our “Durban, the warmest place to be” conditions.”

Leading up to the Nationals, Richards Bay will host the KZN Provincials offshore. A fleet of sailors will use this opportunity to get in some much needed time on the water before the big event.

Laser – a swell boat to sail, the South African Laser Nationals will be taking place in Durban from 30 April to 3 May.

For more info visit: http://www.laser.org.za/, https://salasernationals.wordpress.com or like the Facebook page.

Author: Durbanite

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Entertainment

KZN Philharmonic – Summer Season Concerts 2026

Published

1 week ago

26 February 2026

Carla Wynne

The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra presents its 2026 Summer Season with two concerts at The Playhouse Opera on Thursday, 5 and 12 March at 19:00.

Concert 1: 5 March

Under the baton of Japanese conductor Yasuo Shinozaki, the opening programme features Canadian cello virtuoso Bryan Cheng performing Saint-Saëns’s demanding and innovative Cello Concerto No. 2. Britten’s Simple Symphony provides a lyrical interlude, followed by Saint-Saëns’s dramatic Cello Concerto No. 1. After the interval, Schubert’s beloved “Unfinished” Symphony brings the evening to a melodic close.

Concert 2: 12 March

Under the baton of South African conductor Conrad van Alphen, this programme features Bulgarian world-renowned virtuoso pianist and chamber musician, Ludmil Angelov.

KZN Philharmonic tickets are available at Quicket here.

Want to go to a concert but don’t want to have to self-drive into town?
Opt for a Park and Ride option:

Park your car in one of our secure designated locations and hop onto the bus which will drop you off at the Durban Playhouse.

1) Upper Highway Area
St. Agnes Anglican Church, 53 Abelia Road, Kloof, 3610.
R100 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs St Agnes promptly at 17h50.

2) Westville
Westville Senior Primary School, Westville Road, Westville, 3629.
R80 a bus ricket return.
The bus departs Westville Senior Primary promptly at 18h10.

3) Berea
Caister Lodge, 264 Musgrave Road, Musgrave, Durban, 4001.
R60 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs Caister Lodge promptly at 18h20.

4) Umhlanga
Grace Family Church, 400 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga, 4320.
R100 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs Grace Family Church promptly at 18h10.

Book bus tickets on 031 369 9438 / info@kznphil.org.za / Quicket here

BOOK TICKETS HERE

: Japanese conductor – Yasuo Shinozaki

: Canadian cello virtuoso – Bryan Cheng

Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

Entertainment

A Celebration of Love – KZN Philharmonic

Published

4 weeks ago

7 February 2026

Carla Wynne

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra at a magical afternoon concert set in the tranquil surrounds of St Agnes Church, Kloof.

“A Celebration of Love” conducted by Chad Hendricks, brings together lush orchestral music with romantic favourites, and two outstanding soloists, Njabulo Nzuza and Andile Ndlela for an uplifting Valentine’s experience.

The concert includes music by Mozart, Dvorák, and Tchaikovsky, alongside well-loved classics such as Moon River, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Make You Feel My Love, Beneath Your Beautiful, and South African favourites.

Food stalls will be available offering pizza, mocktails, and sweet & savoury love boxes, creating a relaxed and festive Valentine’s afternoon.

Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or simply your love of beautiful music, this concert promises an elegant and heartfelt afternoon.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 14 February
Time: 16h30
Venue: St Agnes Church, 53 Abelia Road, Kloof
Tickets: from R100 & available via Quicket

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with live music, romance, and the magic of the Orchestra.

Stand a chance to WIN two tickets to the Valentines Day Concert – A Celebration of Love with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra valued at R300 -> ENTER HERE <-

Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

Attractions

Familie Fest 2026

Published

4 weeks ago

5 February 2026

mrjoelmagic

Familie Fest 2026 Brings Live Music and Family Fun to Hillcrest

Everything You Need to Know About Familie Fest 2026

Familie Fest arrives in Hillcrest for a full weekend of live music, family-friendly entertainment and relaxed festival energy, taking place on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May 2026 at NU Driving Range.

Designed as an all-ages outdoor music festival, Familie Fest brings together South African artists, open space, activities for kids and adults, and a format that allows families and friend groups to spend the entire day together without feeling rushed.

Event Details

Date: Friday 29 & Saturday 30 May 2026
Venue: NU Driving Range Fields, Hillcrest
Time: From 10am daily
Age Restriction: All ages
Bar Area: Over 18s only

Tickets available via:
• Familie Fest Website
• Webtickets
• Utickets

Ticket Pricing

• Kids under 4: Free
• Kids 4–12: From R129
• Teens 13–17: From R145
• Adults: From R199 to R245

Group Ticket Specials

• Buy 5 tickets, get 1 free: R1,250
• Buy 9 tickets, get 1 free: R2,100

Group tickets are limited and valid for adults or kids.

Camping add-ons are available separately and include access to a secure camp zone with toilets, showers, lighting and security.

Line-up (More to Be Announced)

The initial line-up includes a mix of established and popular South African acts:

• Francois van Coke
• Kurt Darren
• Van Pletzen
• Veranda Panda
• Appel

Friday features acoustic-focused sessions, while Saturday hosts the main acts. Additional artists will be announced closer to the event.

What to Expect

Familie Fest is structured as a full-day festival rather than an evening-only concert, with gates opening at 10am and activities running throughout the day and into the evening.

Across the festival grounds, attendees can expect:
• Live music performances
• A dedicated kids zone
• Arts and crafts activities
• Food and drink vendors
• Potjie competitions
• Access to the driving range
• Putt putt, go-karts and paintball
• Optional secure camping facilities

The layout allows families to spread out, relax and move between music, activities and rest areas at their own pace.

What You Can and Can’t Bring

Allowed:
Umbrellas, camp chairs, blankets, gazebos, bags, towels, baby gear.

Not Allowed:
Cooler boxes, outside food and drink, weapons, fireworks, sound systems, pets, sports or play equipment, bikes or braais.

Camp Zone Only:
Cooler boxes, food and drink, and braais are permitted within the designated camping area.

Why Familie Fest Works

Familie Fest positions itself as a genuinely inclusive festival, catering to families with young children, teens, and adults who want to enjoy live music without the pressure of a late-night-only format. With space to move, activities beyond the main stage, and a line-up that appeals across age groups, it offers a different kind of festival experience for the KZN calendar.

For families looking to introduce kids to live music, groups planning a social weekend, or anyone wanting an outdoor festival that runs at a comfortable pace, Familie Fest ticks all the right boxes.