MAGALIESBURG: If you’ve ever wanted an authentic off-the-beaten track adventure for the whole family that is right on the doorstep of the Cradle of Humankind and just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, Pretoria and Rustenburg, you’re in for a treat! The Magalies Rocks the Cradle 2019 (MRtC) festival takes place on 23 : 24 : 25 August 2019, promising an all-round epic sensory experience with more than 100 events of music, art, nature, adrenaline, a walk through history, food and magic!
Now in its fourth year running, MRtC is quite the attraction for adventure-seekers of all ages and backgrounds, and city-dwellers who are tired of the mundane and the monotonous. The town of Magaliesburg offers up a unique three-day fest that reignites, reinvigorates and rejoices amidst mountains, valleys, rivers, indigenous woodland and a 2.5-billion-year history.
Spread over 50 venues, the festival is a celebration of all-things uniquely Magalies. What sets Magalies Rocks the Cradle apart from other festivals in South Africa is the fact that it does not have a central event area. Instead, MRtC has been designed to highlight the attractions of the Magalies region. This means out-of-towners get to experience all the magnificence that the town has to offer by visiting different focus areas that group together similar activities or experience. This year, visitors can enjoy an array of activities in the Art and Craft, Performing Arts, Craft Food and Drink, Handcrafted and Artisan, Kids, and Markets focus areas.
The festival, an initiative by the Magalies Business and Tourism Forum, has grown exponentially since it first began in 2016. “MRtC is not simply a showcase of our beautiful piece of the planet, which is truly a hidden gem, but also highlights how an entire community working together for a common cause, is able to pull off what is fast becoming one of South Africa’s top festivals,” explains Hannelie Hartman of the Magalies Business and Tourism Forum. “So, come enjoy our country hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you!”
Over the years, the festival has developed a vibe of its own, attracting families, friends, thrill-seekers, music lovers, foodies, arts and crafts enthusiasts, nature lovers and those simply looking for an off-the-grid experience that’s the real deal.
Magalies’ delicious smorgasbord of local food and drink is an attraction on its own! From chilli tasting and homemade ginger beer to old-school milkshakes, gourmet burgers, cakes and pastries to pie-making classes and organic vegetable growing courses to alfresco feasts, champagne in the mountains and delectable Austrian pop-up food to wild boar on the spit (proceeds will help Magalies’ four-legged friends), you will have your heart’s (and tummy’s) fill of a unique culinary experience.
There is plenty to keep little hands, feet and minds occupied too. Children can build an enchanted Fairy Garden, have a go at rock painting, learn important skills at a mini survival course, meet Bomani and Thandi at the interactive puppet shows, relish in ice-cream tasting, get up close to alpacas, ponies, baby goats, horses, “boerbokke” and others at various animal farms, and win plenty of prizes! There are also hot air balloon safaris, a vintage car show and game drives that the entire family will enjoy. Brace yourself for jumbo-sized adventure too with elephant and cheetah interaction sessions. Just be sure to wear sunblock and closed shoes, and take a hat!
In celebration of Women’s Month, the festival’s Women Running Wild trail run is set to be a firm favourite, with 3km, 5km, 13km, and 17km challenges, and a certified 0.4 carat diamond up for grabs! This is a spectacular family outing amidst rugged mountains, big-sky country and wildlife.
Art lovers will be spoilt for choice with options that include the Tineke Art Exhibition and the Puss ‘n Boots Gallery. One of SA’s most unique artists, Harry Erasmus, will showcase his pieces at an exhibition, and you can channel your own inner creative at the Sprout & Sprocket Art Festival. Artist, Ronel Swart, is equally excited to share her skills and inspiration at the Faber-Castell Art Workshop or try your hand at Bible journalling. This year, for the first time, Jozi Land Art will offer a captivating experience at the Land Art Expo on the banks of the Magalies River. Artists from around Gauteng will craft art out of nature, using rocks, branches, trees and other natural materials to convey a strong conservation message.
In between the wide offering of live music and performances, you can walk (at no cost) in the footsteps of liberation giants such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Helen Suzman at Maropeng, where 99 striking life-sized bronze statues from the Long March to Freedom exhibition are on display to mark the 25th anniversary of SA’s democracy. It’s believed to be the largest exhibition of representational bronze sculptures anywhere in the world! Maropeng will also be offering discounted entrance tickets over the MRtC weekend.
If you like spending lazy afternoons discovering the beautiful, the special and the unusual, then you will love exploring the various markets at MRtC. From handcrafted bags and accessories to crafts and knick-knacks, you will be completely immersed in the local culture at The Cradle Arts, Crafts & Food Market, the Plant Market, Vegan Hippy Market, Noble Farmers Fun Day, MRtC Wine and Craft Festival and Cradle of Community Kindness Market.
In addition to the more than 100 lifestyle and entertainment events, festival-goers can also enjoy tours, workshops, talks about the history and heritage of Magaliesburg, ghost stories around the campfire and a theatre performance that explores little-known facts about the Anglo-Boer War. Most of the activities are free. Please the official festival website for the event listing. A park-and-ride service is available for convenience and easy access to focus areas. There is also a hop-on-hop-off taxi service with central parking available at R50 for the whole weekend, or you can pay R15 per trip.
So, pack your overnight bags, lace up your adventure boots, round up your loved ones and head to Magaliesburg for an unforgettable experience!
Magalies Rocks the Cradle
72H : Relax : Explore : Experience
Date: 23 : 24 : 25 August
www.magaliesrocksthecradle.co.za
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