Dundee July action coming soon

With the dust settling after the recent Durban July, focus has now shifted to the equally fascinating eleventh Dundee July Rural Horse Riding event taking place on July 25 in Dundee.
Organisers led by the Provincial Department of Sport and Recreation as well as Umzinyathi and Endumeni municipalities say the stage is set for the best event ever this year.
The event will kick start with a colourful street carnival scheduled for Friday, July 24 in Victoria Street featuring different musical groups, fashion, bikers, race horses, motor cavalcade and dancers. The parade starts at midday.
As it has been a tradition, there are constantly new additions each year to make the event an unforgettable experience.
In marking 11 years of the event, there is going to be an inaugural ladies race. The female riders’ race will now become a regular feature for the Dundee July and will undoubtedly entertain the more than 15 000 spectators and VIPs expected to attend.
The rivalry between South Africa and Lesotho is expected to play itself out once again in the main race.
The fashion parade will also be pitched at a much higher note this time around. The theme for this year is ‘Afro Couture Equestrian’. More than 20 local designers will be showcasing their work after they completed a skills development training, held by the KZN Fashion Council.
Council representative, Nomonde Masoka, says altogether almost sixty designers have registered for the fashion show.
She added that there will be no less than five invited top national and international designers to showcase their garments.
The fashion element is sponsored by thanks to the kind donation of the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
The Department of Arts and Culture is also working around the clock to put together a star-studded musical extravaganza which is expected to carry on deep into the night to conclude a fabulous day of horse racing, fashion and fun.
Local artists who aspire to be part of the showpiece are urged to attend auditions to take place in Dundee on Friday, July 17 from 9 am. The venue will be made public on Facebook and the local community radio station, N-COR FM (Nquthu Community Radio). Artists may also contact entertainment organiser Khulekani Selebe on 083 524 3331. The official Dundee July Facebook page is www.facebook.com/dundeejuly 2015.
People who would like VIP treatment will be able to do so at one of our many private low charging hospitality marquees. Limited space still exist for erection of own marquees. Contact Sandile Mbonane; sandile.mbonane@kzndsr.gov.za or telephone- 073 057 0916.
The organisers have assured all the spectators and visitors that tight security measures will be adopted this year. No weapons and selling and illegal consumption of liquor will be allowed.