Durban - Sitting pretty with several feathers in its cap, Durban is basking in the international limelight, and satisfyingly was named as the best city in South Africa to live in.
This Easter proves again that Durban is the place to be, with activities to keep the young, old, religious and playful entertained.
The Independent on Saturday has compiled a list of events taking place in the first two weeks of April.
Durban Picnic Day:
What better way to laze away a Sunday than having a picnic? On April 5, you can join dozens of other families and friends at Durban Picnic Day at the Moses Mabhida Stadium People’s Park. Entertainment is provided by AKA, Prime Circle, DJ Snazzy, Micasa and a host of other entertainers. Tickets available from Computicket.
I Heart Market:
One of Durban’s favourite craft markets, the I Heart Market, will take place on the Imbizo lawns at moses Mabhida on April 4. E-mail: [email protected].
Roof Top Night Market:
Musgrave Centre will host another of it’s beautiful night markets on April 10, featuring handmade crafts, live music and food. While the market usually takes place on the first Friday of every month, the date has been moved so as not to clash with the Easter weekend. Admission is free. Call: 031 277 8420.
Easter High Tea:
Apart from the religious observances of Easter, it also means a time of sweet indulgence. The Oyster Box is hosting an Easter High Tea from April 3-6, with a gift for each guest. Call: 031 514 5000.
Durban Passion Play:
Jesus’s last days are depicted in the passion play which will be held from April 1-19 at the Playhouse Drama Theatre. Bookings via Computicket.
Festival of Chariots:
The annual Festival of Chariots, also known as the Ratha Yatra Festival, will take to the streets of Durban on the Easter weekend, April 3-6, at the Old Durban Drive-In site, from 11am-11pm daily. Entrance is free and there will be plays, dialogues and food.
Splashy Fen:
Music lovers usually find themselves at the Splashy Fen festival every Easter. It’s the country’s longest-running music festival, held on a farm in Underberg. It will run from April 2-6, with music, food and arts and crafts. For more details visit: www.splashyfen.co.za
Chester Missing:
He’s a puppeteer and he’s not afraid to say it. Chester Missing, who appears on the Late Late Nite Show with Loyiso Gola, will come to Durban on April 10 and 11 at the Izulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino, on his Chester Missing Roadshow. Tickets from Computicket.
Chris Brown:
Controversial but still loved musician Chris Brown will perform in Durban on April 4 at Moses Mabhida People’s Park. Tickets available from Computicket.
Choral Performance:
The Symphony Choir of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra will perform the Messiah, conducted by Richard Cock, at the Playhouse on April 5. Tickets available from Computicket.
Radio Gaga:
For fans of comedic productions, the Sunzone at Suncoast will host Radio Gaga from April 10-12. The comedy showcases a local radio station, where nothing seems to go to plan. Tickets available from Computicket.
Up Close and Personal:
Barry Thomson, guitar maestro, will play a tribute to artists who have influenced him at the Rhumbelow Theatre on April 5. Tickets available from Computicket.
Beacon Easter Egg Hunt:
100 000 assorted chocolate eggs will be hidden around the Dolphin Stadium at uShaka for the largest ever Beacon treasure hunt, on April 4 and 5. Call 031 328 8000.
Who’s Your Daddy:
Chris Forrest takes to the stage in his comedic one-man show about fatherhood, pregnancy and birth. He will perform at the Seabrookes Theatre from April 7-12. Tickets available from Computicket.
Get Wet Summer Music Festival:
April 5 at the Greyville Racecourse will be the place to be if you want music, dance and a light spectacular, featuring electronic artist Alex Stein from Brazil, Coco Loco, Funky B and many others. Tickets available from Computicket.
EDX at Wavehouse:
The international Swiss deep house DJ, EDX, will perform alongside 14 other acts at the Wavehouse at Gateway on April 3. Tickets from Computicket.
One Week And Forever After:
The One Week and Forever After theatrical presentation of the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. From April 3-5 at the Durban Christian Centre Jesus Dome. Tickets from Computicket.
Extreme Fighting Championship:
Local boy Wesley Hawkey takes on Boyd Allen for the extreme fighting featherweight belt on April 4 at the ICC. There will be other fights. For a full fight card and more details visit www.efcafrica.com
Uvukile Gospel Festival 2015:
Easter Sunday will be special in Port Shepstone as it hosts the gospel festival that features some of the best gospel artists in the country. It will be held on April 5 at the Ugu Sport and Leisure Centre. Tickets from Computicket.
Arthi Sanpath, Independent on Saturday