Entertainment
DRIVE IN CINEMA AT SUNCOAST DURBAN
In early May, Impi Concept Events launched Parkflix, a drive-in style entertainment solution to provide KZN fans with their fix of (socially-distanced) entertainment through a host of open-air movie screenings. As lockdown restrictions slowly start to ease, event organisers are thrilled to announce a partnership with Marriott Investment Managers and… an official start date: Thursday the 13th of August.
From the 13th to the 30th of August, fans can join in the outdoor entertainment from the safety and comfort of their own cars as a series of family favourite movies, blockbuster DVD hits and golden oldie movies are screened outdoors at Suncoast, Durban.
Up to 200 vehicles can be accommodated per show; with attendees arriving in their cars and tuning in via their FM radio sets. The concept ticks all the boxes in terms of safety, as entertainment is displayed on the 12m wide large screen and food is ordered and delivered on-site, giving attendees no reason to leave the car – other than to visit the bathroom.
“Suncoast is thrilled to be part of the team bringing back the drive-in concept to Durban,” says Suncoast Marketing Louise Howell. “In a time when everyone needs a little fun to lift the spirits, Parkflix provides the perfect opportunity to entertain the whole family and support local businesses while still adhering to the COVID safety regulations.“
SCHEDULE
Movie screenings will take place at 18h45 on Thursday through to Sunday, with an additional 14h00 screening on both Saturday and Sunday. Movies to be aired include Bad Boys For Life featuring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith, Star Wars: Rise of the Skywalker, Shrek, Toy Story 4, Notting Hill and Black Panther. Show dates, times and screenings are all available on the Parkflix and Suncoast Facebook pages.
| DAY | SCREENING | TIME |
| Thursday 13th Aug | Bad Boys For Life | 18h45 |
| Friday 14th Aug | Star Wars: Rise of the Skywalker | 18h45 |
| Saturday 15th Aug | Shrek | 15h00 |
| Notting Hill | 18h45 | |
| Sunday 16th Aug | Toy Story 4 | 15h00 |
| Black Panther | 18h45 |
COSTS
The cost per show is R220-00 per car of 2 people, with R50-00 per additional person.
Children under 8 are free. Tickets are available immediately via www.webtickets.co.za.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
No movie experience is complete without popcorn. As such, each car will receive one box of Marriott popcorn and one bottle of still aQuelle water. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks or they can purchase from the dedicated Suncoast food vendors who will deliver orders directly to cars.
“Marriott Investment Managers are really excited to be able to partner with Impi Concept Events again,” says Sally Anderson, Head of Marketing at Marriott. “Having previously worked with them on the Marriott Ballito Beats music series on the North Coast of KZN, we share a common goal of bringing fun, family-centric entertainment to the people of Durban with an exciting new form of entertainment during these times.”
“In an economic downturn, this partnership is a key investment for KZN’s entertainment industry,” says Stu Berry, Director at Impi Concept Events. “Marriott’s investment will not only provide a wonderful opportunity for the people of KZN to be entertained but will stimulate the industry’s supply chain through the injection of cash flow into the technical, security, ticketing and operational companies that would be required to run these events.”
REGULATIONS
No alcohol, cigarettes or firearms are allowed on site; and no picnic spots are to be set up outside of cars. Stringent social distancing regulations will be adhered to at all times. Patrons will be required to wear their masks when making their way to the ablutions.
Limited VIP and general access tickets are available at www.webtickets.co.za.
For personal enquiries around the potential booking of the Parkflix venue and setup for private functions, please email info@splashyfen.co.za.
Author: Shelley
Wackadoo! Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are coming to South Africa in the 2025 winter school holidays! For the first time ever, the hit theatre production Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show makes its African debut at Artscape, Cape Town on Thursday, 26 June, running until Sunday, 06 July 2025. The show then moves to The Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg from Wednesday, 09 July to Sunday, 20 July. Tickets are on sale now at www.showtime.co.za and www.ticketmaster.co.za.
Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the BAFTA and Emmy® Award-winning animated children’s television series produced by Ludo Studio. Now families in South Africa can experience the joy of seeing Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their first ever theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, iconic sets, live actors and all-new music – it’s Bluey like you’ve never seen it before, in real life and on stage.
The popularity of Bluey’s Big Play knows no bounds, touring internationally across Australia, UK and Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and North America. Kiddo Adventures gives Bluey’s Big Play five stars while claiming it’s “A magical theatrical experience for fans of all ages” while Time Out says, “This live adventure for fanatically beloved Australian hound Bluey is as authentic as it comes”. The Guardian best sums up the show by saying “Puppy puppets’ sweet show sets tails wagging”.
Bluey’s Big Play follows Bluey and her family through a full day from sunrise through to bedtime. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.
Bluey’s Big Play is an original story from creator Joe Brumm, with bespoke music from Bluey composer Joff Bush. The audio track forBluey’s Big Play is prerecorded and features original voices from the TV sensation, including the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad and Mum. While the larger-than-life puppets are commanded by Bluey’s Big Play’s talented puppeteers, who bring Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life on stage.
Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co and local live entertainment and show promoter, Showtime Management.
Kate O’Connor, Director of Brands and Licensing BBC Studios ANZ, says: “Following the incredible reaction to the live theatre show in North America, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and Australia, we are so excited to bring Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to fans in South Africa.”
“Bluey’s Big Play has performed to a global audience including sell out seasons across Australia, USA and UK. The response has been extraordinary. We are so excited to now bring Bluey’s Big Play to South African audiences this winter school holidays,” says Andrew Kay, Producer of Bluey’s Big Play.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to South Africa,” said Tony Feldman of Showtime Management who added: “The response to the show from fans across Australia, North America and Europe has been nothing short of amazing and we can’t wait for families in South Africa to experience all the fun and excitement of having Bluey and her family live on stage.”
The stage show has enjoyed much success around the world, especially in Australia, where it premiered in Bluey’s hometown Brisbane and went on to perform over 500 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House. Bluey’s Big Play was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2024.
Since bursting on to TV screens in Australia in 2018, Bluey has enjoyed a plethora of critical success at home and abroad, winning a 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category, a 2024 Kidscreen Award for Best Animated Series and picking up its consecutive fifth AACTA Best Children’s Programme award to add to an International Emmy and numerous awards for craft and production around the world.
According to Nielsen, Bluey is 2024’s most-watched series globally on Disney+, and the year’s No. 1 most-watched series on streaming to date through November among total viewers in the U.S., with more than 50.5 billion minutes watched[1]. In Australia, the show goes out on ABC where it is #1 kids show, and it is also rated #1 kids show on CBeebies and Disney+ in the UK[2]. In South Africa, Bluey is ranked #1 on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and CBeebies[3].
Tickets for Bluey’s Big Play are available now and can be purchased at www.showtime.co.za or www.ticketmaster.co.za the official, exclusive ticketing agent. Tickets purchased via any other platform will not be honoured.
Each attendee irrespective of age must hold a valid ticket in any price category to Bluey’s Big Play. A strictly limited number of Meet & Greet Packages are available for each show. The Meet & Greet includes a lanyard and the unique opportunity to meet Bluey after the show. Children are not allowed access without a VIP paid adult.
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For more information visit bluey.tv
Meet and Greet: R500 per ticket
Limited availability. Includes a lanyard and post-show opportunity to meet Bluey.
Children are not allowed access without a M&G paid adult.
Group bookings
20% discount on groups of 21 and more
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday performances only valid for the top two prices.
Contact Jill Somers office hours only, 9am to 5pm, on 079 218 1658 or via showtime.co.za
Author: Shelley
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Author: Shelley
Attractions
Splashy Fen 2025: An Inspiring Long Weekend of Music, Magic, and Memories in the Drakensberg
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.
Author: Shelley
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