A host of South Africa’s top performers will be on stage to wow music and comedy fans at the 2023 SPAR Splash Festival. Photo: NMB Splash Festival
 

The SPAR Splash Festival will turn Kings Beach in Gqeberha into a 360-degree, smile-a-minute extravaganza this Easter.

From food trucks to wrestling, cooking demonstrations, live performances, sports events, children’s activities and even a fun run, festivalgoers will find something that tickles their fancy around just about every corner from April 7 to 10.

SPAR Eastern Cape advertising manager Roseann Shadrach said the programme of Nelson Mandela Bay’s marquee festival was one to behold and that visitors would be in for something special from the get-go on Good Friday.

The opening day will see the return of perennial crowd favourite Wrestlemonster, where fans will no doubt enjoy a ringside view of Mr Wrestling’s notorious headlock on several of his unsuspecting opponents.

Those who prefer the spicy side of life don’t have to hunt any further than the We’re for Flavours food demo tent, where celebrity chefs will dazzle festinos with their culinary flair.

Among them will be singer-songwriter and chef par excellence J’Something, who is bound to hit all the right notes with foodies when he delivers his tasty performance in the kitchen.

He is also due to swap his apron for a microphone to deliver his best-known songs – among a few surprises – as one of the headline artists on the festival’s music and comedy programme.

Other names include the Queen of Zulu comedy Celeste Ntuli, “Dames” hitmaker Biggy, Buhle and Gino Fabbri.

The Galaxy Bingo Beach Area will bring non-stop action for kids, including funfair rides and pony jaunts.

Five-a-side soccer and beach volleyball will keep sports fans cheering throughout, while the public can take part in a 4.5km beach run to counter the carbs on offer at the Coca-Cola Food Truck Court.

“We chose to link up with the Splash as it offers us an opportunity to put smiles on the faces of festivalgoers throughout the weekend,” said Shadrach.

“At SPAR, our goal is to cultivate Forever Smiles and we expect to see just that from the moment the festival gets underway.”

Performing artists and vendors, especially, are set to feel the love of the retailer’s involvement after the latter’s commitment to assist them get back on their feet as they recover from the financial impact of the pandemic.

In a first for the festival, a SPAR Women’s Challenge registration hub will serve would-be participants of the 5km and 10km events set to take place at Pollok Beach on May 27.

They can enter at the hub, thanks to credit card facilities, and receive their race numbers and T-shirts to boot. Runners can also have their photo taken alongside their favourite media personality in the 360-degree photo booth.

“It’s wonderful that registration for this amazing race coincides with the festival,” said Shadrach. “We know how excited our runners and walkers are about it returning to its original format after three years.”

More than 900 individuals benefited from the 2022 festival, including event staff, security, vendors and sub-contractors.

Some of the highlights to look out for at the festival include:

Friday 

Main Stage: Defying Gravity, Saider and Relate DC from 12pm
Second Stage: Splash Festival DJ competition semi-finals at 7pm

Saturday

Main Stage: Splash Festival DJ Competition finals from 4.40pm
Food Demo Tent: Chef Zola Nene from 2pm
Food Demo Tent: Celeste Ntuli comedy show from 6pm

Sunday

Main Stage: Magician Brendon (1pm), Biggy (5pm) and J’Something & Friends (6pm)
Beach Arena: Family fun run (9am), Easter egg hunt (11am)