Redhill School welcomes Sandton back to RedFest

Redhill School’s Redfest programme kicked off with a bang in Sandton with an elegant soiree hosted by the festival on July 27.

August 1, 2023

Lebogang Tlou 1 minute read

Mandy Roff with the magician Wolflock following his mind-blowing magic routine. Photo: Lebogang Tlou

Redhill School’s Redfest kicked off with a bang in Sandton with an elegant soiree on July 27.

There were breathtaking performances by the Redhill Marimba band, soul-blues music group Africa Soul, and a great deal more. This was accompanied by award-winning wine, scrumptious snacks, as well as the opportunity for guests to enjoy mind-blowing artworks as part of the event’s exhibition.

Members from the Mix Fm crew Toni Williams-Najoe, Nokulunga Ngcobo and presenter Lauri-Leah Momberg wind down after their show at the RedFest opening night soiree. Photo: Lebogang Tlou

According to Redhill School’s executive head, Joseph Gerassi, the aim of the RedFest was to create a platform for up-and-coming artists and performers.

“It’s not a fundraiser for Redhill School, we are just the vehicle which allows these incredible performers to have theatres and art spaces and music spaces where they don’t have to pay to hire out the space,” said Gerassi.

Craig and Evangeline Shaw peruse the artworks on exhibition at the RedFest opening night soiree. Photo: Lebogang Tlou

“In 2022, we decided we were going to get back to the arts. That festival was all around us getting the sponsorship to be able to pay all the artists on our campus so that they could get back into the industry again, and get some much-needed finance to get themselves going again.”

He added 34 professional productions were running the entire weekend. “Some of the top schools perform here– but that’s a very small part of the festival.”

The Redhill Marimba team play soul-riveting sounds at the RedFest VIP opening night soiree. Photo: Lebogang Tlou

According to Gerassi, the selection process for participation in the Redfest starts early.

“From January, we put out a call to all artists to send through the shows that they want to do, and we get all their information from them. We have a full-time website, www.redhillartsfestival.co.za… then we have a difficult decision of who we invite to the festival.”