Jam-packed festival fun planned for The Ballito Pro

THE vibrant KZN Natal North Coast is about to heat up this winter as it plays host to The Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong, for the ninth consecutive year.

Bringing with it international surfing stars, South African musical legends and action-packed entertainment from 27 June to 9 July, visitors are in for a treat this year.

“The return of the Ballito Pro Presented by Billabong to KwaDukuza is a true testament to the region’s incredible surf conditions and warm coastal

atmosphere,” said event organiser, Collette Bundy.

Music

South Africa’s hottest musical acts will be performing their greatest hits at this year’s Cadburys Five Star Ballito Pro Music Concerts Powered by 5FM taking place at the Salt Rock beach stage from Thursday 6 to Friday 7 July.

Audiences can expect the likes of December Streets, Matthew Mole, Okmalumkoolkat, Kwesta, Snapbvck, Kyle Cassim, Desmond & the Tutus, PH and DJ Lloyd.

The musical entertainment continues at the official After Dark Parties taking place at Crush Nightclub, with the two dance floors hosting some of the country’s hottest DJs – among them Chunda Munki, Bomsquad and Vimo from 30 June to 9 July.

Partygoers will also get a taste of upcoming talent at the Battle of the DJs with the contest reaching its crescendo on Saturday, 8 July at the finals.

Extreme motorcyclists

Returning this year are world-ranked extreme motorcyclists, Bruce and Brent le Riche. This dynamic duo will perform an unbelievable array of death-defying

stunts at the Willard Beach Extreme Sports zone from Thursday, 6 to Sunday, 9 July.

Visitors will also get the chance to check out some of the greatest skateboards at the Monster Skate Jam with young skaters given the chance to try out the ramps after the shows.

Food

Foodies are in for a tasty delight at the Night of Food & Wine event also taking place at the main festival area at Willard Beach from Tuesday 4 July from 5pm to 10.30pm and Wednesday 5 July from 5.30pm to 10.30pm.

The public is given a platform to showcase their hidden culinary skills in the Freak Shake and Shisa Nyama Cooking Competitions while professionals in the industry will also be given the opportunity to prove their worth at the Celebrity Cook-off.

Market

Daily live entertainment will be available at the Retail Delight which will feature arts and crafts, various exhibitions and retail stalls.

Visitors can also grab a bite to eat at the food court, while the cider garden will provide drinks throughout the festival.

And, for those looking to get some exercise, there will be non-stop Beach Action at the Coca Cola Football Arena with daily beach soccer entertainment.

And the children will be well catered for at Willard Beach’s Kids’ Corner with ongoing face painting, water balls, sandcastle-building contests and other fun

activities.

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