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JENNY MORRIS IN A ROMANTIC MOOD AT THE UPCOMING DURBAN GOOD FOOD & WINE SHOW

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Jenny Morris – known to all her fans around the country as the Giggling Gourmet – is one of South Africa’s most-loved food personalities.

The popular celebrity chef – who has the distinction of being the first South African chef to host her own show on the international Food Network channel – will be appearing at the Good Food & Wine Show which takes place in Durban from October 30 to November 1.

Morris admits that she’s going to be very busy at the show appearing at a number of the food extravaganza’s different theatres and stands including the Celebrity Chefs Theatre and Romancing the Stove.

“I can’t wait, I love interacting with an audience,” she says.

Jenny is delighted to be back in action at Romancing the Stove, in which couples are invited to come and join Morris for live interactive cooking lessons where they are shown how to create food that lifts moods, celebrates special occasions and adds a bit of spice to their love lives.

“Food is a love affair in the true sense of the word, one that employs all the senses”, says Jenny who admits that for her touch is vital.

“Feeling your food is important,” she says. “Caress it, stroke it and know it intimately. How you eat your food will reveal what kind of lover you are. You don’t want someone who eats a sosatie with a knife and fork,” she says with a laugh.

Jenny’s formula for success is to “entertain informatively and inform entertainingly”, something she does with flair. Although she has cooked for dozens of celebrities and royals, (including Prince Charles, Thabo Mbeki, Kenneth Kaunda, Charlize Theron and Al Gore), Jenny remains down to earth, and when she’s not wowing the public she can be found in her kitchen stirring a pot of something fragrant and delicious.

“Layer those flavours,” she advises, “and feel that dish come alive in your hands!”

Jenny also encourages audiences to come to the Good Food & Wine Show on Saturday, October 31, where the World Cup rugby final will be shown on giant screens.

“It will be a real jol. I will be giving out free champion boerewors rolls on a first come, first serve basis. See you there!”

Q&A with Jenny

Does Durban have fond food memories for you and what are they?
I was born in Durban and my love of food was born in my parents vegetable gardens, we grew and ate only our own veggies, that’s when I fell in love with food that is fresh and seasonal. I still have family living in KZN and visit them when I do work in Durban.
What has Durban contributed to SA cuisine?
Durban has a wonderful mix of nationalities so the food is quite global, but I always associate Durban with bunny chow and a darn fine curry. In fact when I visited my son Wade when he was in London the first thing I had to make him was a Durban curry.
You do everything from TV and radio to cookery tours, demonstrations and writing books. Do you have a favourite?
They are all my favourites, how can you ask me that! Let’s say I love to travel to new places, this gives me the inspiration to write my books and share my stories and experiences with the wonderful people who attend my food demonstrations.
What else do you still want to achieve?
I want to watch my children grow and prosper; I want to inspire and nurture the young chefs going forward; I want to write more cook books, travel and taste the world and make more food TV shows; I want to live to an old age with my husband. I want a grey Tom cat too!
What utensils can you not live without?
A really sharp knife, my pestle and mortar and my microplane.
Tell us a little bit about what’s hot in SA at the moment when it comes to food trends?
I think Asian food is here to stay, tapas is going to be in for a long time, and watch out for Korean food, I just love it, and I think people are also looking for a meal that is well priced and plentiful; value for money is what I hear on the streets.
How, as a chef, do you stay on top of what’s popular or do you determine what’s popular?
I have my own style and I create my own dishes and flavours but I listen to people and I like to give them what they want as well.

The Durban Good Food & Wine Show takes place from October 30 to November 1 at the Durban Exhibition Centre in association with Durban Tourism. There will be book signings with all the celebrity chefs at the show. The visiting chefs will be staying at the Oyster Box Hotel.

The Good Food & Wine Show Durban
Dates: Friday October 30 to Sunday, November 1.

Celebrity Chefs: Brent Owens, MasterChef Australia 2014 winner; Claire Allen, MasterChef South Africa 2014 finalist; Giggling Gourmet Jenny Morris; Ndumiso Mncwabe, MasterChef South Africa 2014 finalist; Penny Fitchet, MasterChef South Africa 2014 finalist; Renae Smith, MasterChef Australia 2014 finalist; Reza Mahammad; Rick Stein; Roxanne Wardman, MasterChef South Africa 2014 winner; Siphokazi Mdlankomo, MasterChef South Africa 2014 finalist and Yudhika Sujanani

Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre, 11 Walnut Road, Durban
Hours: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 10:00-21:00; Sunday, November 1, 10:00-18:00

Ticket Prices:
• Adults: R 90 at the door
• Age 12-18: R 60
• Children under 12: Free
• Senior Citizens: R 60
• Purchase 10 or more tickets: R 80 each
• Wine Combo Ticket: R 115 (Includes show entry, wine tasting glass & 5 wine tasting vouchers)

Wine Tasting Prices:
• Wine Combo Ticket: R 115 (Includes show entry, wine tasting glass & 5 wine tasting vouchers)
• Wine Glass: R 30 (Includes GFWS glass to keep and 5 tasting vouchers)
• Additional Wine Vouchers: R 25 (1 booklet with 5 wine tasting vouchers)
Celebrity Chefs Theatre Prices:
• Local Chefs: Free, entry on a first come, first serve basis (GFWS entry not included)
• International Chefs: R 100 (GFWS entry not included)
• Kids under four who sit on laps: Free

Tickets: Available through Computicket (www.computicket.com) or at the door.

Go to:
www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za
• Twitter: @goodfoodSA
• Facebook: Good Food and Wine Show SA

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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Community

Gordon’s & CK Experiences presents: Mango Groove at Chris Saunders Park

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Get ready for the ultimate family outing! South Africa’s legendary musical icons, Mango Groove will, light up the stage at Chris Saunders Park, on Friday 2 May, kicking off at 4pm.

This isn’t just a concert; it’s a fantastic opportunity to create lasting family memories filled with incredible music, delicious food, and exciting activities for everyone.

Join Mango Groove as they bring you the iconic hits that have been the soundtrack to South African life since the 80s. From the moment the first note drops, you’ll be swept away by their smash hits “Special Star,” “Dance Some More,” and all the timeless classics that have defined generations. This is your chance to experience the magic of Mango Groove in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.

What’s in store for the kids?
We’ve got so much lined up:

  • Blaster Wars Arena – Ready, aim, and battle it out in a safe and exciting space.
  • Jumping Castles – Let them bounce the day away.
  • Lego Area – Creativity unleashed with endless building fun.
  • Target Shooting – Perfect for little sharpshooters.
  • Treasure Hunts & Fun Games – Adventure awaits.
  • Dedicated Toddler Zone – Safe and fun play for the tiniest festival-goers.

Tickets to this unmissable family event are a steal, priced between R100 and R250. With convenient, fully stocked bars for the adults and a delicious array of food stalls offering something for everyone, your taste buds will be as happy as your ears!

Date: Friday 2 May
Time: 4-10pm
Venue: Chris Saunders Park

Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable day of music and fun!
Tickets are available for purchase online at WebTickets.

Follow In The Park here for more upcoming music events. You do not want to miss out on the rest of the events they have planned for you!

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Art

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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