DURBAN always delivers in the arts and entertainment space; whether it’s concerts, film festivals or even a book launch, we’ve got you covered. Get out and enjoy some of the events listed for this month below.

A festival of fairs [Saturday, July 26]

DURBAN’S Musgrave is the destination for bargain hunters, browsers and shopaholics on Saturday, July 26, with both Musgrave Methodist and St Thomas Churches hosting July Fairs on Saturday.

Operating times have been synchronised with St Thomas opening its doors at 08:30 for early birds, and including in their line-up an evening dance social, and Musgrave Methodist opening their doors at 10:30, in time for morning tea and wrapping up at 14:30.

For those who really want to make a festival of fairs on Saturday, there is also the regular St Olav market and the weekly Essenwood Market – both in close proximity.

For more information, contact the Musgrave Methodist Church on 031 201 2005 or email: tilda@musgravemethodist.co.za (mornings). The church is on 237 Musgrave Road.

For more information, contact the St Thomas Church on 031 201 2204 (mornings). They are situated on 190 Stephen Dlamini Road.

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Celebrate Christmas in July [Saturday, July 26)

GET ready for festive fun, family vibes and fundraising with purpose at the Get Inspired Christmas in July Flea Market hosted by NPO Get Inspired on Saturday, July 26, at Open Skies Church, Kloof, from 10:00 to 17:00.

The fundraiser is not just about shopping, it’s about making a difference. The NPO, which reaches out to Durban’s differently-abled community through its various empowerment projects, was started by Highway resident Grant Oosthuyzen, a talented boccia player.

On the day, there will be arts and crafts, unique handmade goods, food stalls, jumping castles, face painting and fun for the whole family.

Stalls can be booked at R200 for arts and crafts, and R300 for a food stall. WhatsApp Grant or Mel on
072 117 3716.

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Enjoy hockey action [Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27]

THE grand finals of this year’s SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge gets underway at St Mary’s DSG’s astro turf this weekend (July 26 and 27).

Following 10 regionals that took place around KZN, the winning team representing each area will travel to Kloof to take on their opponents in the hopes of being crowned champion.

For more information, like or follow the tournament’s social media page. For those unable to make it to the sidelines, all the games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools.

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Concert to hit right notes [Sunday, July 27]

THE British Cultural & Heritage Association presents Music en Masse 2025, a participative and fun orchestral concert which aims to bring together musicians – anyone who can read and play music – of all ages and cultures in KZN for a concert at the DLI Hall in Greyville on Sunday, July 27 at 14:30.

The concert has become an annual part of Durban’s musical calendar featuring a public performance by a massed orchestra, under the baton of Russell Scott, which aims to serve the interests of the arts, culture and musical education in Durban.

The concert features a varied programme of orchestral favourites and eclectic musical numbers.

There will also be interludes by guest artists and a pre-performance programme by the Reddam House Umhlanga marimba players.

Good to know
Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day or directly from the office, prior to the event between 09:00 and 13:00, at Berea Bowling Club (corner of Brand and Ferguson Road).
Tickets cost R120 for adults, R100 for pensioners and R60 for children U12.
For more info email bcha1820@global.co.za.

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Durbs showcases local and international films [until Sunday, July 27]

THE UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) will host the 46th Durban International Film Festival.

The 11-day programme featuring 85 films from 39 countries began screening on Thursday, July 17.

One of the visually arresting South African debuts at the festival is God’s Work, by Durban-based award-winning director Michael James. It has been selected to be in competition for Best South African Feature. Its SA Premiere was held at the festival on July 20.

The film screenings take place at the Denis Hurley Centre on Saturday, July 26 at 13:00 and the Watercrest Ster-Kinekor on Sunday, July 27 at 17:00.

You can view and download the DIFF 2025 programme on www.ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/.

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Author launches new book [Tuesday, July 29]

AUTHOR Elana Bregin is launching a new novel this month, Station Life Repair, which focuses on the intersection of lives and events, choices and circumstances, of a series of characters living and working in Durban.

Bregin will be in conversation with Lliane Loots, lecturer, commentator, academic and director of Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience and Flatfoot Dance Company, at Ike’s Books in Greyville on July 29 at 18:00.

“Most of my writing is based on my own experiential knowledge. I’ve hunkered down at the Bushmen fires in the Kalahari Desert (Kalahari RainSong and Ella’s Dunes); seen firsthand the wild beauty of Congo lakes and forests (The Antbear Cabin); tested the waters of online dating sites (Survival Training for Lonely Hearts); and resonated with the peace and wisdoms of Buddhist and Hindu worldviews at the Buddhist Retreat Centre (Shiva’s Dance). Fiction and fictional realism (The Slayer of Shadows) remains my favourite mode of travel,” she said.

To RSVP, email ikesbooks@iafrica.com or contact 082 873 2702.

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