Get into the spirit of Christmas
CAROLS by Candlelight events are always well supported in Durban. Here are some of the more popular ones. So dust off your song sheets and light those candles
The Kloof and Highway SPCA hosts its annual Carols by Candlelight on December 17 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm in Marilyn’s Tea Garden at the SPCA, 29 Village Road, Kloof. Cost is R40 and includes a candle and hymn sheet. No charge for children 6 years and under.
This year’s show features the Durban Regiment Pipe Band and the KZN Academy of Celtic Dance. Bring your own picnic baskets, camp chairs and blankets. Dogs on leads are welcome. There will be a tuck shop with tea, coffee, light refreshments and snacks. Come rain or shine the show will go on.
Carols Under the Stars forms part of the uMhlanga Summer Festival at Granada Square, Chartwell Drive, on December 20. This charity event is intended to collect Christmas presents by Santa Claus, for distribution to underprivileged children and child-run homes. Please bring an unwrapped present.
The concert is co-ordinated by Shelley McLean and features special guests including be Survivors, DanSing Performing Arts Academy, vocalist Fazlyn Naidoo and violinist Pierre Frenzel.
Father Christmas will be arriving in style, riding a shiny Harley-Davidson. The evening starts at 6pm with an hour of kids’ entertainment and the main carols event starts at 7pm and ends at 8pm.
Inchanga ChooChoo: Carols by Candlelight on steam trains between Kloof and Inchanga from December 15-17. Train leaves Kloof station at 5pm and runs through the spectacular Valley of a Thousand Hills to Inchanga, where the Inchanga Conservancy operates a craft market.
There is also a railway museum and picnic site. Carols are sung at the Inchanga station. Tickets R240 (adults) and R170 (senior citizens and children aged 2-12). Call Bruce Bennett at 082 353 6003.
The Playhouse Company presents A Christmas Celebration, a festive extravaganza for the whole family. Directed by Ralph Lawson, it promises to deliver festive sizzle and spectacle with stunning music and dance, and a top-notch cast with music by the KwaZuluNatal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The show stars gospel sensation, Dr Tumi, the muchloved Tim Moloi, songbird Khanyo Maphumulo, East Coast Radio’s Darren Maule and leading soapie superstar Thandeka Dawn King.
The award-winning Playhouse Dance Residency and The Playhouse Chorale are also on board. A Christmas Celebration runs from December 22-24 with a special preview on December 21.
Tickets from R80 to R120 from Computicket or the Playhouse box office at 031 369 9596/9540. For block bookings call 031 369 9407. – Staff Reporter