If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Zululand, now is the perfect time to head down the coast as the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill enters its final days.

Running until Saturday, 18 July at Willard Beach, the festival combines world-class surfing with free live music, family entertainment, sport and conservation activities.

Free concerts on the beach

One of the highlights this week is the Ballito Pro Music Concerts presented by Corona, taking place at Salt Rock Main Beach. Both are free for the public to attend.

Thursday, 16 July from 4.30pm to 10.30pm

Fans of Afro-house and electronic music can enjoy performances by:
• Mörda (Murdah Bongz)
• DJ Merlon
• Blanco Nero
• Asvnte
• Jay Sbu
• Battle of the DJs winner

Friday, 17 July from 4pm to 11.30pmThe stage switches to rock and pop with performances by:

• Booshle G
• The Saxby Twins
• Veranda Panda
• Zebra
• Phil Taylor Band
• Matt Gardiner
• Bloodbrother

Soccer stars join the action

Meanwhile, sport lovers can look forward to the inaugural Surf & Turf Challenge on Thursday, where former Bafana Bafana stars will team up with professional surfers in a light-hearted relay competition inspired by the Fifa World Cup.

The festival is also hosting the championship rounds of the Bafana Bafana U15 Soccer Development Programme, giving young football talent from across the country the chance to shine.

Celebrate Mandela Day by giving back

The festival wraps up on Saturday with a special 67 Minutes for the Ocean beach clean-up in honour of Mandela Day.

You can spend 67 minutes helping remove litter, ghost fishing gear, plastics and tiny nurdles from the shoreline using Mermaid Tear Catchers.

Participants can also enjoy prize giveaways while contributing to the Ballito Pro’s popular Litter4Tokens environmental initiative.

Plenty more to enjoy
Away from the surfing, there’s no shortage of entertainment for visitors, including:
• Corona Sunset Sessions
• Retail Village shopping
• Beach volleyball and soccer
• Yoga and pilates
• Beach rugby and judo
• Red Bull Brian Capper bike displays
• Ballito Arts Showcase
• Jive With Jen children’s entertainment

With Ballito just down the road from Zululand, the festival offers an ideal winter outing for families, friends and sports fans.

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