Events

Introducing The Lockdown LIVE with Splashy Fen!

Published

6 years ago

7 April 2020

Durbanite

Taking place this coming Thursday the 9^th, Friday the 10^th and Saturday the 11^th of April, the Lockdown LIVE is a 3-day virtual Splashy Fen Music Festival, which fans can watch online and enjoy from the comfort of their homes.

Over the course of the 3 days fans can enjoy a carefully curated selection of amazing LIVE music, streamed from each musician’s home or private studio – artists like Goldfish, Veranda Panda, Goodluck, Donovan Copley from Hot Water, Gary Nixon from the Kickstands, Steve Umculo, Freddy-L … and more will be performing LIVE to all Splashy Fen fans this weekend.

But of course there is more than just LIVE music… find your zen with a 9 am yoga class on Friday or get the blood pumping with a fitness coach on Thursday and Saturday. Learn deliciously healthy plant-based recipes, entertain the kiddies with an Arts & Craft session on Friday at 10 am, or be entertained with LIVE comedy from East Coast Radios Darren Maule, Neil Green and Rory Petzer. Fans can also sit back and watch a series of festival and music tributes that take a look behind the scenes, and some proudly South African content that is sure to bring a happy tear to your eye.

Then comes the real heart-to-hearts as our festival director Stu Berry goes ON AIR with a number of guests; talking about Splashy Fen, why music matters and other entertaining topics. The ever-charismatic Jane Linley Thomas kicks off these ON AIR chats on Thursday at 11 am. Following that will be Splashy Fen’s very own Creative Director, Fuzzy van Rensburg who talks to us about building the Splashy Fen site; Jeremy Loops, Liam Magner from Veranda Panda, Australian performers from 2019 Juzzie Smith and The Pierce Brothers, as well as the 2020 Headlining act Coleman Hell.

The online festival is FREE to anyone and everyone, as a thank you to all the fans who have been exceptionally understanding and supportive of the festival’s date change. Fans can tune in via the following online link, or catch it live on the Splashy Fen website or social media pages: https://youtu.be/N2kktTQjSxU

“Splashy Fen would not be Splashy Fen if it was not for the fans,” says Stu Berry, Festival Director. “The Lockdown LIVE is just a small way that we can show our gratitude. Besides, it brings us absolute joy to be able to do what we love even in these very trying times: that is, bring world-class music and entertainment to our fans.”

“An up-side is that even those who could not make the original festival date, get to enjoy this virtual festival over the Easter weekend, from anywhere in the country. It’s a first for Africa, and we are extremely proud. What we do ask, is that if anyone is able to, we will be setting up a donation line on our social media pages for people who can make a contribution to all the performers who have little-to-no income over the lockdown period.”

#splashytentchallenge

But wait, there’s more… what would a Splashy Fen weekend be without tents! The #splashytentchallenge will also take place over the Easter long weekend, where fans are challenged to pitch their tent in their garden, lounge, bar, bedroom… wherever they can, to enjoy a hint of what would have been at Splashy Fen in Underberg. Fans can snap a picture or video and post it to Splashy Fen’s social media pages using the hashtag: #splashytentchallenge to stand a chance to win their share of R10 000 in prizes.

All the artists performing have agreed to do so for free to allow us to view the event online for free! You can’t get more amazing than that – if you are in a position to make a donation towards the artists during the next few days it would be greatly appreciated. You can do so via Zapper – check out the Splashy Fen social media pages for more info and latest news.

The Full Lockdown LIVE schedule:

THURSDAY 9^th APRIL

09h00 Fitness with Hayley

10h00 Plant Based Cooking with Moontree

11h00 ON AIR: Chats with Jane Linley Thomas

12h00 ON AIR: Chats with Juzzie Smith

13h00 LIVE: Marc Weinstein (4am)

14h00 ECR: Comedy with Neil Green

15h00 ON AIR: Chats with Fuzzy (Creative Director)

16h30 Splashy 2017 Aftermovie

17h00 LIVE: Donovan Copley (Hot Water Duo)

18h30 LIVE: Gary Nixon

19h30 Proudly South African: The Springboks

19h45 South African National Anthem

20h00 LIVE: Veranda Panda

21h15 LIVE: Goldfish

FRIDAY 10^th APRIL

09h00 Yoga with Kaz

10h00 Happy Hearts Kids Art Club

11h00 ON AIR: Chats with Griekse Boertjie

12h00 ON AIR: Chats with Jeremy Loops

13h00 LIVE: Roachy and the Rock Coaches

14h00 ECR: Comedy with Darren Maule

15h00 LIVE: Juzzie Smith

16h30 Splashy 2018 Aftermovie

17h00 LIVE: James Deacon

18h30 LIVE: Steve Umculo

19h30 Proudly South African: I Am African

19h45 South African National Anthem

20h00 LIVE: Goodluck DJ Set

SATURDAY 11^th APRIL

09h00 Fitness with Hayley

10h00 Plant Based Cooking with Moontree

11h00 ON AIR: Chats with The Pierce Brothers

12h00 ON AIR: Chats with Liam Magner

13h00 LIVE: Bradley Grey Band

14h00 ECR: Comedy with Rory Petzer

15h00 ON AIR: Chats with Coleman Hell

16h30 Splashy 2019 Aftermovie

17h00 LIVE: Mbijana Sibisi

18h30 LIVE: FREDDY-L

19h30 Johnny Clegg & Ladysmith Black Mambazo Tribute

19h45 South African National Anthem

20h00 LIVE: SYZO DJ Set

Author: Durbanite

Related Topics:April Festival Lockdown music Online splashy Splashy Fen What to do during lockdown

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Events

FREE Family Day at Hollywoodbets Greyville

Published

1 week ago

9 April 2026

Carla Wynne

Champions Season Kicks Off in Style with a FREE Family Day at Hollywoodbets Greyville

The highly anticipated Champions Season bursts into action on Saturday, 11 April at Hollywoodbets Greyville, setting the tone for South Africa’s premier racing calendar with a vibrant day of top-class racing, entertainment, and family-friendly fun — all completely FREE to attend.

Gates open at 10:00am, inviting racegoers, families, and first-time visitors alike to experience the thrill of the sport in an accessible and festive environment.

At the heart of the day’s racing programme is the Race Coast Sales Big Cap, a R5 million feature that continues to grow in stature following its successful debut and is fast establishing itself as one of the most innovative contests in South African racing.

Run over 1400m, the Big Cap brings together an elite mix of top-class horses and influential slot holders, where strategy and strength play an equally decisive role. The 2025 debut delivered a high-quality and competitive spectacle, showcasing the tactical depth of the slot race concept and setting a strong benchmark for the future.

That foundation adds an extra layer of intrigue to the 2026 renewal, with connections returning more experienced and strategically aware. The contest features a compelling clash of power and depth, headlined by the highest-rated runner in the field, alongside formidable operations such as Snaith Racing. Key slot holders including the Wernars Family, Rikesh Sewgoolam, Ralphs Racing and Peter Moor add further competitiveness, underlining the race’s growing industry significance.

With a substantial stake on offer, R5 million in total, including R3 million to the winner, and increasing attention from across the sport, this is no ordinary race and continues to attract serious investment and participation.

Adding to the excitement is the Race Coast Sales Slipper, a standout juvenile contest run over 1200m with a lucrative R3 million incentive. Together, the Big Cap (R5 million) and Slipper (R3 million) offer a combined R8 million in feature race prize money on the day. Positioned at a key point in the season and staged in KwaZulu-Natal, the Slipper has become increasingly competitive, with top juveniles lining up to contest the rich prize.

The combination of timing, location, and significant stakes ensures that owners and trainers target the race early, aiming to secure a share of the substantial purse. With each running, the quality and depth of the field continues to improve, offering racing fans a glimpse of the next generation of stars.

Beyond the track, the day promises a lively social atmosphere with a mix of entertainment, activations, and relaxed outdoor enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out in Durban, the opening event delivers something for everyone.

“Champions Season is about more than just elite racing — it’s about creating an inclusive, energetic experience that brings people together,” said Race Coast KZN Acting COO, Dean Sawarjith. “Starting the season with a free, open-to-all event at Hollywoodbets Greyville reflects that spirit perfectly.”

With warm autumn weather, world-class racing, and a welcoming environment, 11 April is set to be the perfect introduction to the excitement of Champions Season.

Author: Carla Wynne

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

Entertainment

Your Next Blu Blood Experience Awaits

Published

1 month ago

19 March 2026

Carla Wynne

Durban’s entertainment scene is turning up the heat over the next few months, with a line-up of live shows set to bring music, laughter and big-stage energy to the city. From internationally loved performers to homegrown comedic talent, local audiences can look forward to a vibrant mix of events across some of Durban’s popular venues.

Kicking things off is Atif Aslam, who takes to the stage at the Durban ICC on 27 March, bringing his much-loved hits to what promises to be a memorable night for fans. BUY TICKETS HERE

Comedy lovers can then get ready for an evening of sharp wit and relatable humour when Joey Rasdien performs at the iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino on 4 April. BUY TICKETS HERE

Rounding off the line-up is Zack Knight, set to perform at Suncoast Casino on 9 May, offering Durban audiences a chance to enjoy one of the most recognisable contemporary voices in the South Asian music space. BUY TICKETS HERE

With a mix of powerhouse music performances and laugh-out-loud comedy on the calendar, these upcoming shows are set to add plenty of excitement to Durban’s social scene. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, a date night, or simply looking for your next live entertainment experience, this line-up offers something worth stepping out for.

Author: Carla Wynne

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

Art

BUMP & GRIND – Back By Popular Demand

Published

1 month ago

17 March 2026

Carla Wynne

Back by popular demand, Durban comedy favourites Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert-McIlroy return to the Northlands Bowling Club, in Durban North for audiences who missed the show the first time around.

Expect old favourite characters and a soundtrack packed with thumping hits as McIlroy and Bobbert once again deliver their trademark blend of side-splitting humour, larger-than-life personalities, and musical mayhem!

Some characters to expect; Bruce and Charmaine as unforgettable Elvis impersonators, Dot and Max settling into the chaos of retirement village life, and everyone’s favourite philosopher of the people, Dr Veejay, offering his “words of wisdom.” Add in a host of hilarious new faces, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fun night out!

Directed and choreographed by the sensational Daisy Spencer, Bump and Grind promises to keep audiences on their feet — or rolling in the aisles — with laughter, music, and McIlroy & Bobbert’s unbeatable comic chemistry.

Venue: Northlands Bowling Club, Durban North
Dates: Friday 27 & Saturday 28 March – 7:30pm (doors open 6pm) | Sunday 29 March 2026 – 6:30pm (doors open 5pm)
Tickets: R220pp
Bookings: Webtickets – BOOK HERE

Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or coming back for more, this is a musical comedy experience not to be missed.

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