Three of the participants in Festival in the Hills 2016, pictured from left, festival director Judith Hawthorn (in her opening parade persona as ‘Mistress Fantastical’), actor Bongani Mbatha, and guitar whiz Seb Goldwain. Photo: Supplied

A day long feast of family fun entertainment is happening on the last Saturday of August in Hillcrest with a star-studded roster headed by the internationally acclaimed Drakensberg Boys Choir and more.

The Rotary Club of Kloof presents the Festival in The Hills 2016, a wonderful cultural extravaganza for the whole family, hosted by Curro Hillcrest Christian Academy. Festival in The Hills will take place at Curro HCA in Hillcrest on Saturday, August 27 from 9 am to 4.30 pm.

“Following on from the success of last year’s Festival in The Hills, we are set to present every bit as great a programme this year for primary school children and their families that will be of the highest artistic standard, providing an educational, stimulating and inspiring day of activities that are also highly entertaining, using some of the best arts practitioners in South Africa, based right here in Durban,” says festival director Judith Hawthorn.

“The day offers a full programme of performances and workshops with a craft market and food stalls to keep everyone entertained. We expect over 1 000 children to attend and whilst school groups from all across KwaZulu-Natal have been invited to participate, the event is open to the public, with booking at Computicket.”

Big, Bright Beautiful Word, City Hill Auditorium, 2 pm
This is the main event of the festival, and will be a very special experience for participating primary school choirs featuring some 750 children from more than 16 schools.

Conducted by award-winning conductor Bernard Kruger, the massed children’s choir will perform alongside the world renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir who are joining us this year. You don’t want to miss this fantastic concert! Adults R130, Pensioners R100, Scholars R80.

Sweetie Darling by Clinton Marius starring Bongani Mbatha. Media Hall, 9.45 am
This award winning romantic comedy portrays a young man going all out to prove himself. As he finds himself and love, he finds his path to spiritual growth. Tickets are R60

Planet Storio written and performed by Gcina Mhlophe. Media Hall, 11.45 pm
KwaZulu-Natal’s own internationally acclaimed story teller and children’s author Dr Gcina Mhlophe is set to delight youngsters this year with one of her enchanting productions. Tickets are R60.

Workshops for Children
Aimed at six to 13 year olds, professional experts in various creative fields will offer the opportunity for children to explore their creativity in a variety of activities. Places are limited so early booking is essential.

Classes include vocal technique, a musical theatre dance class, simple mask-making, beat boxing, special effects stage make-up, mosaics, stage-fighting, a TV/film acting class, a modelling class and lots of craft classes. Tickets range from R40 to R150.

“Casting Call” Workshop for Moms and Dads!
There is a special workshop for parents run by Durban Casting Agent Angela Valverde-Riekert. “Casting Call” in the Media Hall from 12.45 pm to 1.45 pm will assist parents to understand the Film and Commercial industry for their children. Tickets are R60.

Opening Parade… Craft Market…Food stalls ..
“Music, pomp, colour, excitement will be to the fore as all participating schools parade onto the school field for the official opening of the festival at 9 am. Accompanied by a marching band, we start the day with a celebration of all the participants before they disperse to various venues for their activities,” says Hawthorn. “A craft market and food Stalls will be running all day, so come along, browse the market and enjoy a varied selection of food on sale.”

Open Stage
A variety of free activities and events will happen on the field and around the school grounds all day! A highlight will be a performance by Durban’s noted young guitar virtuoso, Seb Goldwain, and various school groups will also be performing during the morning.

The day offers a jam packed programme of performances, workshops and free activities. School groups from across KZN will be attending and the event is open to the public. Entrance is free, but bookings for workshops and performances must be done through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 before the event. For more information visit http://www.festivalinthehills.co.za