The fields and courts at Montrose Primary School were once again filled with excitement as the 2026 Alfeco Montrose Dream Big Night Challenge final was officially opened on February 27, following the postponement of its original launch due to heavy rain and lightning.
The tournament’s 25th anniversary celebrations were cut short on February 13 when severe weather forced organisers to halt matches for safety reasons.
Read more: Montrose Night Challenge marks 25 years despite weather setback
However, learners, parents and teachers returned in full spirit to mark the milestone occasion in style.
The reopening brought together primary schools from across Johannesburg North, including Dainfern College, HeronBridge College, Rivonia Primary School, Bryneven Primary School, Redhill School, Crawford International Sandton and Lonehill Primary School, alongside hosts Montrose and proud parents who lined the courts in support.
The afternoon began with competitive netball and cricket matches as teams battled it out with determination.
Later, the long-awaited official opening ceremony unfolded in spectacular fashion, featuring drums, music, stilt-walking, fire-breathing, dancing and face painting, creating a festival atmosphere worthy of the tournament’s silver milestone.
Event organiser Gwen Nelson expressed her relief and joy at finally celebrating the 25th edition.
@caxtonjoburgnorth After severe weather forced the postponement of its original launch on February 13, the Alfeco Montrose Dream Big Night Challenge returned in full spirit on February 27 to mark the official opening of its 25th edition at Montrose Primary School. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #caxtonlocalmedia #Community #News #Localnews #Sandton ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“We have just opened our 25th year of the night challenge, thank goodness, after our drained-out opening on the 13th of February.”
Also read: Michael Mount wins the 2026 St John’s College basketball tournament
The tournament usually plays for four weeks, and two weeks are already over, but Nelson said the excitement is far from over. “We still have two exciting nights to go, one with games and then one that is going to blow our minds.”
A helicopter is set to headline the closing festivities, promising a memorable finale to the anniversary tournament.
“We’ve got a helicopter coming, and we’re going to have a wonderful closing. I’m looking forward to some amazing netball and some incredible cricket matches, and I hope the children have an excellent, fabulous time,” she said.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
