The Ballito Pro presented by Billabong kicked off on Sunday, 28 June and is the world’s longest professional surfing event, and the continent’s biggest beach festival. The festival runs until July 5. The world class surfing and lifestyle event attracts over 100 000 visitors to the summery shores of Willard’s beach in KwaDukuza and this year, together with a host of exciting new partners, promises to deliver even more fun in the sun. Bigger and better in every respect the expanded festival boasts a range of fun-filled activities for the whole family, the return of the women’s surfing competition and of course, the opportunity to watch the world’s best surfers in action.
The epic beach and lifestyle festival promises a summer holiday experience with exciting beach soccer and volleyball activations; regular stage performances by local dancers, singers and performers and an impressive retail area to explore. Festivalgoers can explore the Tropika Chill Zone from July 2-4, filled with goodies from the Tropika treasure chest, and children are fully catered for with a kiddies corner, sandcastle building competition and daily children’s programme.
Always a crowd favourite, The Tropika Ballito Pro Music Concerts Powered by 5FM, Crush Nightclub and Big Night Out are bringing together SA’s top musical acts to rock out for three nights of non-stop music. From July 2 to July 4 music lovers can watch a stellar line-up of bands and DJS on Salt Rock beach under the stars, and all for free! Top acts include Gangs of Ballet, Matthew Mole, Riky Rick, K.O and a host of 5FM’s most loved DJs. The musical celebrations will continue late into the night with DJ contests, bar flaring competitions and epic after parties.
Coastal Living Bru Food and Wine Exhibition (June 30- July 2) returns to La Montagne Resort for three nights of fine wining and dining and quality fashion and lifestyle entertainment. The popular culinary event boasts plenty of foodie experiences including the Fine Young Cooks Awards, a wine auction and a flavoursome artisanal food and beverage market. The popular cooking competition, the ‘Fleur du Cap So You Think You Can Cook Ballito Style’, adds a new element into the mix this year with entrants pairing wines with the meals they cook from mystery box ingredients. Expert judges Joani Mitchell, Genee’ Griffiths and Andrew Draper will decide which pro and amateur chef takes home the grand prize.
Fashion lovers will be happy to know the foodie event is also showcasing the Miss Ballito Pageant as well as a glamorous fashion shows by Simply Models. Leading Durban stylist Kevin Ellis is also on the bill and will be showcasing his new range of his designer clothes at grand finale show on July 2, incorporating the event’s theme ‘liquid motion – evolution of epic’. A new addition to this year’s event, the Monster Beach Surf Movie Night on July 1, also promises an exciting entertainment experience.
Adrenaline junkies are in for the ride of their lives as the festival’s extreme sports programme is guaranteed to thrill. Festivalgoers can experience what it’s like to be a real life stuntman or stuntwoman by leaping off the SevensevenSports bagjump, watch the impressive motocross move of the Le Riche Brothers and skate at the surreal 2nd Lunar Project Event.
For more information visit theballitopro.com, like ‘The Ballito Pro’ on Facebook and follow @theballitopro on Twitter.