EXCITEMENT is mounting across KwaZulu-Natal as the 32nd edition of the Hilton Arts Festival prepares to open its doors to scores of revellers from August 8 to 10.

This year’s event, hosted again at Hilton College in Hilton, promises an unforgettable celebration of the nation’s finest arts, culture, and creativity. Organisers are predicting record-breaking attendance as thousands of people from around the country make their way to the Midlands to witness the gathering of South Africa’s top talents in music, theatre, art, dance, and comedy.

The festival has become a significant landmark on the national arts calendar, drawing visitors not only for its impressive roster of performances but also for its vibrant atmosphere and warm community spirit.

“The success of The Hilton Arts Festival over the years has been as a result of the wonderful support of our country’s arts/ artistic communities, both corporate and small business and the dedicated public who support us by buying tickets and spreading the word, year after year,” said Julia Clarence, part of the organising team.

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The festival is about far more than just world-class drama. Fellow organiser Evan Roberts explained, “This event is so much more than simply a drama festival. It’s an attraction that brings visitors to this amazing part of the province not only for the shows, markets and food, but also exposes them to the numerous other attributes of the area, including magnificent scenery, wonderful attractions and a welcoming community. We’re thrilled to be able to play our part in showcasing this region and contributing to its economy.”

This year, the numbers speak for themselves: the 2025 Hilton Arts Festival is expected to draw an astounding 25 000 festival attendees. The Jongosi Schools Festival will once again inspire the next generation, welcoming 2000 eager learners to engage with the arts in fresh and exciting ways.

Festivalgoers can look forward to exploring 100 craft stalls, each offering a unique array of handmade treasures and artisanal wares, while the 48 visual artists on display promise a feast for the eyes. Food lovers will be spoiled for choice with 45 food stalls serving up an eclectic mix of local and international cuisine, ensuring that every palate is catered for.

Meanwhile, the heart of the festival remains its diverse line-up of ticketed productions — 41 in total — including theatre, music, and dance, each curated to delight and inspire audiences of all ages.

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Among the shows that one can enjoy is Girls & Boys – written by Tony Award-winner Dennis Kelly (Matilda); A Dolls Life: Confessions of a Quarter Life Crisis, written and performed by Micaela Jade Tucker and directed by Lara Toselli; Bitter Winter directed by Lesedi Job, and starring André Odendaal, Orabile Ditsele, and Chantal Stanfield;  The Hollow Crown featuring Fiona Ramsay, Graham Hopkins, Marcel Meyer and Matthew Baldwin, to name a few.

The musical acts include Evan Cullum’s Piano Man, Jou Ma Se Platespeler, an Amy Winehouse tribute – The diva and her demons, and an all-acoustic, four-piece, Gypsy Jazz band. Dance lovers will also be able to step into the groove with the Flatfoot Dance Company and test their moves with Funk the Disco.

As the festival prepares to raise the curtain on its next chapter, both organisers and attendees are united by a shared sense of enthusiasm and pride. Entrance for the weekend is a once-off cost of R100 per car, valid for three days. Tickets can be bought via Webtickets and for the full programme, visit www.hiltonfestival.co.za.

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