While it may not exactly be swimming weather (unless you live in Durban of course) there’s still plenty to do. Read on to find out what’s happening in your neighbourhood.
June is here which means the winter solstice is just around the corner. Happily, after the solstice which should take place around the 21st of June, the days will slowly but surely start to get longer.
Johannesburg:
Technicolour dreams
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat has long enchanted audiences around the world. From the 29th of April until the 7th of August, South African audiences can enjoy the local rendition of this acclaimed production at the Pieter Torien Theatre at Monte Casino. The production tells the story of Joseph’s sale into slavery by his jealous brothers and how his prophetic dreams eventually earn him a place by the side of the pharaoh of Egypt. Danger, deception, humour and great music characterise this theatrical event which is ideal for families and those just looking for a great time out. Tickets cost between R100 and R350pp. For further information and show times, go to www.computicket.com
Father’s Day feast and fun
Father’s Day is just around the corner which means it’s time to start planning how you’re going to spoil one of the most important people in your life. What better way to show your appreciation than by treating Dad to a great meal and live entertainment? In celebration of Father’s Day, the Fat Olive at Stornoway Lodge in Lanseria will host a special Father’s Day event from 11am onwards on the 19th of June. Guests can book a delicious braai or country picnic lunch and enjoy live entertainment courtesy of 3ZACrowd, Ashlinn Gray, Bad Peter and Rubber Duc. There will also be canoe rides, an animal farm, jumping castles and zorb balls for the little ones. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resident blesbok, impalas or zebras which frequent the onsite dam. For further information, go to www.webtickets.co.za or contact info@stornoway.co.za / 071 354 6622.
Seal’s in town
If you’re a fan of Seal and his sultry music, now’s your chance to see him and hear his music in person! Seal will perform at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg on the 12th of June from 7pm. A hugely talented performer, Seal has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide since making his musical debut in the early 1990’s. He’s won numerous awards, released nine studio albums and has earned global acclaim. If you miss him in Johannesburg, you might be able to catch him on the 14th and 16th in Durban and Cape Town where he will also perform. Ticket prices start at R460pp. For more information, go to www.bigconcerts.co.za
Cape Town:
Get your jazz on
Jazz lovers will be able to get their ‘fix’ at the upcoming Youth Jazz Festival which takes place on the 18th of June at the Artscape Theatre. The event acts as one of the premier platforms for South Africa’s exceptional young jazz musicians and includes a mentorship programme. Tickets cost R100pp. 50% of the ticket proceeds will go towards the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre. The show kicks off at 7.30pm. For more information, go to www.artscape.co.za / 021 410 9800
Gent’s tea by the sea
Long considered an activity of the feminine persuasion, the traditional high tea has been given a masculine twist by the five star Twelve Apostles Hotel for Father’s Day. On the 18th and 19th of June, families and loved ones can treat the ‘man of the house’ to a scrumptious – yet manly- high tea. You won’t find any frilly cream scones and glittering cupcakes at this spread. Think mini boerewors rolls, a selection of cheeses, biltong scones, sandwiches filled with roast beef and horseradish, salmon and cream cheese and chicken mayo with avocado, amongst others savouries. Sweet treats such as Bar One macaroons, peppermint crisp tarts, chocolate brownies and ‘Bea’s famous cheesecake’ will also be served alongside a selection of teas and coffee or a pint of craft beer – of course. It’s worth pointing out that the restaurant’s bar serves a mean selection whiskey, cognac and cocktails. The tea costs R275pp. For further information, go to www.12apostleshotel.com / 021 437 9029
Christmas comes twice a year in Tulbagh!
If you love Christmas and happen to be anywhere near Tulbagh towards the end of June, be sure to book tickets for this historic town’s Christmas in Winter Festival which takes place on the 25th and 26th of June. Winter in June is about as close as it gets to the frosty Christmas scenes so often depicted by the northern hemisphere over Christmas, hence the decision to host the festival. Over the allotted weekend, the town will decorate Church Street with all manner of Christmas decorations and host a variety of Christmas related activities and events such as a craft market, theatre productions and a ‘Rock with Santa’ party. Traditional Christmas fare and Christmas themed wine tastings will also be on offer and Father Christmas will make an appearance. Tickets for the festival cost between R60 and R80pp and will be available at the Tulbagh tourism office. For more information, go to www.tulbaghtourism.co.za /023 230 1375
Durban:
Take a trip down memory lane…
Fancy a trip on a traditional steam train? Now’s your chance. Subsequent to a donation in 1982 by the Illovo Sugar Mill of a standard gauge shunting locomotive, a group of enthusiasts from the Natal branch of the Railway Society of SA formed the Umgeni Steam Railway near Durban. Over the years, a variety of locomotives and related stock have been added to the collection which are used to transport guests from Kloof Station (Stokers Arms) to and from Inchanga Station every other Sunday. The trip takes in the picturesque rim of the Valley of a 1000 hills and includes the opportunity to shop at the Inchanga Station Craft Market, eat at numerous eateries and visit the Inchanga Tea Garden and Museum. In other words, this outing makes for a grand day out. All surplus funds are used to preserve the locomotives. Ticket prices start at R140pp. For more information, go to www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za / 087 808 7715
Estate lunch for Dad
Stephward Estate Country House will host a special Father’s Day lunch on the 19th of June from 11.30am onwards. Guests can dine on the pool deck or in the Victorian dining room where they will be served a three course meal comprising tomato soup with basil and homemade bread, a choice of either hake, roast beef or roast pork with all the trimmings and a baked malva pudding with ice-cream – all for just R150. To book this great deal, go to www.stephward.co.za or call 039 315 5926.
Believe it or not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not travelling exhibition will be in town from the 3rd to the 26th of June at the Galleria Arbour Town. The legendary collection of oddities, artifacts and anomalies will be showcased via 18 separate, individually themed ‘pods’, all of which are sure to amaze and astound. Best of all, the exhibition is free to view during mall open hours. So if you’re looking for something unique, educational and budget-friendly, make your way to the mall during the month of June. For more information, go to www.ripleys.com/traveling-shows/south-africa/