Events
A Weekend of Music and Mountains with Champagne Classics
Experience Champagne Classics: A Weekend of Sublime Music in the Drakensberg
Event Details
Dates: Thursday 26 February – Sunday 1 March 2026
Venue: Champagne Sports Resort, Central Drakensberg
Check-in: Thursday afternoon (26 February)
Check-out: Sunday morning (1 March)
Costs: To be confirmed – you will be notified once full cost details are available.
Register your interest by contacting Kim at kim@montybrett.com or on 082 824 9378.
Escape to the heart of the Drakensberg for Champagne Classics, a three-night weekend celebrating timeless music, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Champagne Sports Resort in the Central Drakensberg, this annual event brings together classical music lovers for an unforgettable experience of culture and relaxation.
What’s Included
~ Three nights’ accommodation in twin or double rooms
~ All buffet meals at the resort restaurant
~ Morning and afternoon teas with sweet and savoury treats
~ Three evening concerts and two midday recitals
~ A pre-concert talk with Dr Richard Cock
~ A fun, ice-breaker quiz
~ Gratuities for the hotel staff
What’s Not Included
~ Transport to and from Champagne Sports Resort
~ Drinks and bar purchases
~ Personal items, such as laundry or room service
A Symphony of Talent
During the midday and evening concerts, the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra performs under the baton of Dr Richard Cock. Audiences can enjoy works by legendary composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and JC Bach.
Dr Cock’s lively conducting style and musical insight bring these masterpieces to life. Each concert promises to move, inspire, and delight audiences of all ages.
Champagne Sports Resort
A Setting Like No Other
Late February is one of the best times to visit the Drakensberg. The mountains are green, the air is crisp, and the views are breathtaking. Guests will enjoy elegant accommodation and a wide range of leisure options.
You can play a round on the championship golf course, unwind at the spa, or simply relax with a drink while soaking in the mountain scenery. Between concerts, explore the surrounding trails or enjoy quiet moments on the resort’s terraces.
Exceptional Dining
Every meal is served in the resort’s famous buffet restaurant. The menu features an impressive selection of dishes, including options for vegan, vegetarian, and special diets. Morning and afternoon teas come with the chef’s homemade treats, ensuring every meal feels like an occasion.
Book Your Place
Spaces for Champagne Classics 2026 are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Final pricing will be confirmed soon. In the meantime, you can register your interest by contacting Kim at kim@montybrett.com or on 082 824 9378.
Author: mrjoelmagic
Experience Gregory Porter Durban Live: A Night of World-Class Jazz at the ICC
Date: Saturday, 15 November 2025
Time: 20h00 (doors open 19h00)
Place: Durban ICC
Tickets: R700, R800, R900, R1000, R1250, R1500
Ticket link: Click to Buy Ticket Now
Eight-time nominee and two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter will perform live at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Saturday, 15 November 2025. The concert forms part of his three-city Love Is King South African tour, which also includes Cape Town and Johannesburg. Book your tickets here.
Showtime Management and GRIZA Enterprises confirmed the new weekend date after fans requested it. Thanks to updated venue availability, the change became possible.
Existing tickets remain valid for the new date, so no further action is needed. For enquiries or refunds, please contact support@ticketmaster.co.za.
Love Is King – South African Tour
As part of his Love Is King tour, Gregory Porter Durban marks the singer’s long-awaited debut in the city. He has often spoken about his excitement to perform in Durban – a destination he has dreamed of visiting for years. The city’s rhythm, ocean energy, and welcoming people continue to inspire him.
Audiences can expect one of the world’s most soulful voices in jazz and a setlist that spans his award-winning albums Liquid Spirit, Take Me to the Alley, and All Rise. Moreover, fans can look forward to a night filled with emotion, storytelling, and world-class musicianship.
In addition, this tour offers South African audiences a rare opportunity to experience Porter’s intimate stage presence and uplifting message of love and unity.
Don’t miss Gregory Porter live in South Africa this November for five unforgettable concerts:
Cape Town: GrandWest
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Durban: Durban ICC
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Johannesburg: Teatro at Montecasino
Thursday, 20 November 2025
Friday, 21 November 2025
Saturday, 22 November 2025
All shows start at 20h00; doors open at 19h00. Secure your seat early.
Book tickets now at showtime.co.za or ticketmaster.co.za. Tickets purchased via unauthorised websites will not be honoured, and the right of admission is reserved.
Ticket Prices
Cape Town: R800, R900, R1000, R1250, R1500
Durban: R700, R800, R900, R1000, R1250, R1500
Johannesburg: R800, R1000, R1250, R1500, R1750, R2000
Book your tickets here.
About Gregory Porter
Singer-songwriter Gregory Porter grew up in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by gospel harmonies and his mother’s Nat King Cole records – influences that shaped his signature sound.
While studying on a football scholarship at San Diego State University, he began performing in local jazz clubs. Later, he moved to New York City to pursue music full-time.
His first two albums, Water (2010) and Be Good (2012), earned GRAMMY nominations. Then came Liquid Spirit (2013), a Blue Note Records release that became a global hit, sold over a million copies, and won his first GRAMMY Award.
In 2016, Take Me to the Alley brought him a second GRAMMY and established him as one of the most soulful jazz artists of his generation. Subsequent albums include the heartfelt Nat King Cole & Me (2017), the uplifting All Rise (2020), the compilation Still Rising (2021), and his first holiday album Christmas Wish (2023).
Beyond the stage, Porter hosts The Hang, a podcast featuring candid talks with friends and fellow musicians, and The PorterHouse, a cooking show that celebrates food, culture, and community.
Author: mrjoelmagic
Author: Shelley
Discover the heart of KZN at Westown Square in Shongweni – a vibrant, growing destination where shopping, dining and lifestyle come together in perfect harmony.
Here, local craft, artisanal homeware and unique products find a home, bringing the very best of our region to life.
At the centre of it all is The Town Square, your gateway to The Barn & Makers Market. Stroll through an eclectic mix of locally sourced art, beauty, fashion, homeware, food and
drink — all set alongside some of the region’s finest restaurants and exciting concept eateries.
More than just a market, The Barn is the beating heart of Westown. It’s where the community gathers each week for live music, entertainment, and a celebration of local talent.
#ItsTimeForTheWest
LOCAL IS LEKKER and we’re celebrating all things Heritage this month, in this beautiful province of KZN that we call HOME! There’s something for everyone, so follow us on social media to keep up to date.
THIS WEEKEND!
OPENING OF THE PADDOCK at Westown – 27 September
Westown is excited to celebrate the opening of The Paddock– a unique new place and the ‘home’ for Westown Trails. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re on horseback, on your mountain bike, running or walking. Our network of marked trails, suitable for a variety of sporting codes, enhances and extends the spectacular outdoor character the area is renowned for.
* Time: Hub Opens – 06:00
Official Start – 07:00
* Venue: The Paddock at Westown
* Cost: No cost and complimentary bike and wash service from Cycle Science Shongweni
SPRINGBOK RUGBY IN THE BARN
Come & support The Bokke at the Westown Square Fan Park in The Barn at Westown.
Catch the live action on the big screen – our DJ will be in the house for the pre-match warm-up and post-match fun.
Saturday 4 October – SA vs Argentina
*Time: 15:00
* Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Pre-match fun in the Rugby Kids Zone:
* The Garvz Sport Activation (13:00 -16:00) & Kids Activities (14:00 -16:00) including:
Baby Bok, toddler soft-play area, face painting, balloon sculpting and crafts activities
PASSION PAINT & SIP – 1 October
Release your inner artist with an evening of fun and creativity. This guided class is open to all, no matter your competency level. Be prepared to be surprised at what
you can create!
Date: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 18:30
Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Cost: R250 pp incl. a complimentary drink & all materials to make your own work of art.
Booking: Quicket or WhatsApp Kirsty on 083 2555 736
OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – Follow our social media pages
Westown Square is THE PLACE TO BE this October, with a School Holiday Programme to delight kids of all ages!!
FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT WESTOWN – 3 October
Bring your picnic blankets and camp chairs for a free outdoor movie night under the stars.
Food and beverages will be sold – no food/ beverages may be brought into the venue.
* Date: 3 October
* Time: 18:30
* Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
* Venue: The Bowl at Westown Square
* Cost: Free
BLASTER WARS – the ultimate interactive fun for kids aged 5 – 13 years. Jump into action-packed group games, bouncing from one awesome game to the next, all with hands-on
safety. Activities include:
•Blaster Wars fun battles and blaster games
•Target shooting challenges
•Fun races and games for all ages
Date: 7 & 8 October
Venue: Grass Area/Lawn on Level 4
Time: 11:00 -13:00
Cost: R120 per child
Bookings: Tel: 066 236 8100 or email: info@blasterwars.co.za
FRIDAY FLASHBACK
Get a jump-start on the weekend with our vibrant weekly Westown Wind-down. Turn after-work drinks into a full night out at Westown Square, as we dial back the clock, with our weekly 80s-themed Friday Flashback retro music experience with DJ Spike & James VN on the decks and Happy Hour food and drink specials.
Date: Every Friday
Time: 16:30-21:30
Cost: Free entry
SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK VIBES
Join a line-up of Durban’s hottest musicians, every Sunday afternoon, from 12:00-15:00 in The Barn at Westown Square. Choose a bite and beverage from a diverse selection of eateries and settle in for the afternoon.
– Sunday 5 October
A regular favourite at Westown Square, Angel is in the house for this Sunday’s session.
– Sunday 12 October
Popular songbird Carmen Rodrigues is back at Westown Square for a laid-back chill
interlude.
Author: Shelley
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