Drakensberg Productions, in partnership with oKhahlamba Municipality and KwaZulu-Natal Government, is thrilled to announce the programme of events for this year’s highly anticipated Drakensberg Extravaganza & Heritage Experience.
Now in its 7th year, the annual Drakensberg Extravaganza is an 11-day multi-event programme that is a stimulus package to ignite rural inclusive growth and contribute towards the socio-economic development of KwaZulu-Natal Province while developing human capital & responsible citizenship in and around Bergville, uThukela District and KwaZulu-Natal.
Activities will run from Friday, 23rd November 2023 and conclude on Sunday, 3rd December 2023.
Since its inception in 2017, the Drakensberg Extravaganza, a celebration of art, culture, music, sports and community, has become a prominent feature in KwaZulu-Natal’s annual events calendar.
Festivities will commence with a two-day tourism summit and business fair at the Sports Centre, Bergville. Later on the 24th, theatre enthusiasts will revel in a show performed by the Drakensberg Community Arts.
Saturday, 25th November sees thousands of runners tackle the Drakensberg Marathon along scenic routes over 42.2km, 21.1km or 10km distance. The race, starting and finishing at the Bergville Sports Centre, is an official Comrades Marathon and 2 Oceans Marathon qualifier.
Nature lovers are invited to a Hike and Wine Experience at the Royal Natal Park Gudu Falls. The R500 package includes the hike, shuttle from the Sports Centre, lunch, refreshments and post-hike entertainment.
The weekend will culminate with a fishing and a Jazz and Heritage experience at Woodstock Dam.
The 2nd week sees a host of activities inclusive of a fashion show, Rural Youth Development & Empowerment Summit, Agriculture & Land Summit, Social Cohesion & Moral Regeneration Summit and Professionals & Academics Gala Dinner.
On Saturday, 2nd December, the spotlight will shine on an exciting line-up of well-known and local artists when they take centre stage in the outdoor Music Experience at the Sports Centre, Bergville.
Billed to perform are internationally acclaimed rapper Nasty C, Mnike hitmaker Tyler ICU, Bergville’s Big Zulu, Nathi Mankayi, Goldmax, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Da Muziqal Chef & Eemoh, Dladla Mshunqisi, Babes Wodumo Sha Sha, Sbo Da Poet, Uzalo’s Nothando Ngcobo, DJ Happy Gal and many more.
Tickets for the music experience are already on sale at Ticketpro outlets from R200.
The Drakensberg Extravaganza and Heritage Experience will conclude with a free picnic at Woodstock Dam on Sunday, 3rd December.
“We are excited to host the Drakensberg Extravaganza & Heritage Experience. We skillfully made sure there’s something for everyone,” stated Sipho Ndaba, event organiser.
“The Drakensberg Extravaganza is about getting the community involved in economic activities and building a socially cohesive society. It is also about celebrating our diverse artistic talents through music and sports. We urge locals to make sure they partake in activities. We further invite friends from other places to descend to our area to not only impart their knowledge and skills but also enjoy the Drakensberg and what it can offer.”
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