The Rand Show is one of this country’s most iconic events on the annual entertainment and exhibition calendar. To continue to deliver an even more exciting offering in 2020, the team has announced not only a new look and feel for the event, but also a brand new, thrilling journey of discovery with something for everyone – from visitors through to exhibitors.

 “In 2020, we aim to surprise people with a brand-new journey.  While we will always celebrate what has made The Rand Show one of the most loved events of the year, added variety will mean each visitor can discover something unique, or of value to them. This positioning also makes the event the ideal platform for exhibitors to showcase and participate, and we are already seeing good uptake from a wide and new range of brands with everything from furniture to perfumes and beauty products, to crafts, services and more. With something for everyone, a day at The Rand Show will be an extraordinary day - creating a great memory” says Craig Newman, CEO Johannesburg Expo Centre. 

Examples of some of the exciting new additions include a highly interactive Kids Zone; a Foodie Zone delivering on-trend produce and experiences such as craft breweries and gin tasting, a coffee and chocolate experience and delicious food tasters; as well as new Lifestyle, Design, Entertainment, Outdoor and Action and Retail zones. In addition, a significant attraction for visitors in 2019 was the incredible competitions and prizes available, something that will be repeated and made even bigger and better in 2020. 

"The refresh of the brand identity and positioning also demonstrates our desire to make the Rand Show experience a personal one for every visitor. Bright, bold, fun colours and happy people – discovering something meaningful, unique and impactful at the show,” concludes Newman. 

This is one super-sized event that you definitely don’t want to miss. With an entire day’s worth of out-of-this-world entertainment and retail packed into each and every ticket, make the 2020 event #myrandshow! 

To exhibit/participate in any way at the 2020 event, please contact Didi Okoro at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Willem Jordaan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

www.randshow.co.za

A school holiday without the Summer sun can be challenging, but don’t despair, there is fun-filled holiday action to be had at Rush for esports fans, junior geeks and aspiring gamers.

This June will see the annual Rush esports event, along with GeekFest, running at the Sun Arena in Time Square Pretoria. Visitors can expect a thrilling variety of competitive games to participate in and watch. SA’s top gamers and teams will be competing for prizes on esports stages, complete with big screens and live commentary. More good news is that gaming enthusiasts will also be able to compete for prizes by signing up to the FIFA 19, Tekken 7 and Fortnite tournaments now.

Last year’s big Fortnite winner was an ecstatic Prep School pupil - proving that age is definitely just a number at Rush! This year’s Fortnite and FIFA 19 tournaments are sponsored by Vodacom 4U and Samsung. FIFA 19 players will be competing on PS4 consoles, and Fortnite players will be using Samsung Galaxy S10+ phones to play on. Entry into both these tournaments can be done via Mettlestate now, and there are some awesome prizes to be won.

For teens and older, UGCZA is hosting a Fighting Game Workshop from 11h00 to 18h00 on Friday the 28th, where you can come and learn some new skills from the pros, or just brush up on your moves.

Great news from PlayStation is that they will be showcasing a host of cools games including: GT Sport; Team Sonic Racing; MotoGP19 – as well Virtual Reality games such as Everybody’s Golf VR, Far Point and Beat Saber. In addition to all the esports action, there will be geek-related retail stalls, food vendors, a Cosplay competition, LARPing (Live Action Role Playing), Robowars, a Geek Quiz and Hawkeye Arrow Tag will have a fun archery activity arena suitable for ages 10 and up.

Players are split into teams and will battle it out against each other using air-filled bunkers for cover as they try and take out their opponents with recurve bows and foam-tipped arrows. Vodacom 4U are also sponsoring a Fortnite-inspired cosplay category. This is the chance to dress to impress as you channel one of your favourite Fortnite characters.

The winner of the Vodacom 4U Fortnite cosplay will walk away with R10,000, so ramp up your creative juices and enter now! The stage is set to give geeks and gamers a three-day weekend of unprecedented entertainment, geek culture and competitive gaming. There is something for everyone at Rush 2019, so bring along family and friends and get lost in the fascinating, fast paced and fun-filled world of esports and all things geek, first-hand!

Tickets to Rush are on sale now at Ticketpro and include full access to GeekFest. GeekFest tickets also include full access to Rush. #rushesports2019 EVENT DETAILS: When is Rush 2019? 28, 29, 30 June 2019 Times: Friday 10am – 8pm | Saturday 10am – 8pm | Sunday 10am – 5pm Where is Rush 2019? Sun Arena, Time Square, Pretoria How do I buy tickets to Rush 2019? Tickets to Rush are on sale via Ticketpro. Day Pass: R120 (valid for one day only on any of the three days) Weekend Pass: R300 (valid for all three days) Player Pass: R250 (valid for all three days for players competing in tournaments) How do I stay connected? To stay up to date with all the Rush announcements and additional info, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or go to www.rushesports.co.za.

Geeks are taking over! And they’re doing it Big in Japan style! That’s right, all things Geek are about to be unleashed on JHB and Pretoria with the 7th Annual GeekFest, brought to you by The Dark Carnival. Taking place for the first time at the awe-inspiring Sun Arena, Time Square in Pretoria, the event is set to be a complete invasion of all things Geek and all things gaming over one stellar weekend. Gaming Geeks and Fantasy Freaks can draw inspiration for this year’s GeekFest from the birthplace of Anime – Japan. But because we’re Geeks, we definitely don’t do understated and we definitely do over the top, so it’s a Godzilla-sized Big in Japan theme, and we are challenging all Geeks out there to bring on all thing’s anime, manga and Otaku (Japanese for geek).

The entire focus of the 3-day weekend will be on Japanese culture and gaming so Gēmusutāto! (Game on) The Cosplay arena is going to be one that is super-sized this year, with events across all levels, so you can either take a beginner’s bite-sized chunk or make a masterful meal of this imagination-busting sub-culture. There will be four competition categories, namely: • Junior – Open to all entrants who will be under the age of 15 at the time of GeekFest. In order to qualify, at least 50% of their costume must be hand crafted. • Beginner to Genin – Open to newbies who are interested in breaking into the cosplay universe. This includes first time entrants or those who have very little experience.

In order to qualify, at least 50% of their costume must be hand crafted. • Intermediate-Chuunin – Open to those slightly more experienced cosplayers who have taken part in these kinds of competitions before. In order to qualify, at least 75% of their costume must be hand crafted. • Masters-Kage – Open to the semi-professional and professional cosplayers – those who live and breathe the sub-culture and have placed at major competitions before. In order to qualify, at least 90% of their costume must be hand crafted. Each of the above categories will have a first, second and third place winner with fantastic sponsored prizes up for grabs. In addition to the category tournaments, there will also be a masquerade for those who don’t want to compete, but who want to simply strut their colourful stuff and be a part of the fun. To register visit http://www.geekfest.co.za/cosplay-registration/. In partnership with the Rush esports event there will also be a Vodacom 4U sponsored Fortnite- inspired category. This is the chance to dress to impress as you channel one of your favourite Fortnite characters.

The winner of the Vodacom 4U Fortnite cosplay will walk away with R10,000, so ramp up your creative juices and enter now! A whole range of other fantastic activities will send you into a spin, including Sumo Wrestling, a Dance Dance Revolution setup, Robowar competitions, a Gladiator Ring and a LARP tournament. Watch epic Japanese animated films Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, an animated science fantasy adventure film and Pop in Q, an animated dance film - BUT these won’t be any ordinary screening experience, you’ll get to watch these at the uber-cool Noodlebox Cinema! Kick back and relax with a box of noodles whilst watching your movie in silence with your very own headphones.

Die-hard fans of old school cool are in for a serious treat, because not one, but two iconic cars from two iconic teams from the 80’s will be on display at the event. The unforgettable king of talking technology - KITT - the real star of the KnightRider series, and the truly awesome Ghostbusters Wagon.

Who you gonna call? Your friends to join you of course… To say this a jam-packed entertainment lineup is an understatement. GeekFest 2019 has pulled out every single stop, and then some, to ensure maximum Geek immersion across the whole weekend. And when the hunger pangs strike, fear not intrepid soldiers, there is a host of food and drinks available to reboot yourself back to full power.

From merchandise exhibitors to a full-on Geek-inspired market; to gaming highlights and tabletop games; to Pokémon GO tournaments, Japanese martial arts and Anime movies and a Geek Quiz… There is something for every single member of your Geek family to do. You can even go and get your gaming on as GeekFest tickets include all access entry into Rush Esports too. For more information on GeekFest 2019 and the cosplay competitions visit https://www.geekfest.co.za/

EVENT DETAILS: When is GeekFest 2019? 28, 29, 30 June 2019

Times: Friday 10am – 8pm | Saturday 10am – 8pm | Sunday 10am – 5pm

Where is Geekfest 2019? Sun Arena, Time Square, Pretoria

How do I buy tickets to GeekFest 2019? Tickets to GeekFest on sale via Ticketpro and at the door

• Day Pass: R120 (valid for one day only on any of the three days)
• Weekend Pass: R300 (valid for all three days) GeekFest tickets include all access into Rush 2019

What’s on at #joburgsbestdayout 

As one of the oldest and most well-loved events on the South African entertainment calendar, visitors to The Rand Show have come to expect an out of this world entertainment offering, but this year, an added focus on the injection of on-trend and relevant content has really upped the entertainment ante, in fact, there is so much on offer, that visitors should plan to arrive as early as possible to ensure that everything can be experienced. 

Fashion, Beauty and Fitness

See the latest in all thing’s Fashion, Beauty and fitness related and meet some of your favourite fitness fundi’s at the Beauty and Fitness Expo taking place daily on the Main Stage in Hall 5 on weekends and public holidays.

The Fitness Runway Model SA 2019 – South Africa’s biggest  Fashion and Fitness Extravaganza will take place on 20 April at 10am on The Main Stage in Hall 8. 

Pump up the adrenaline!

Experience the 125m long Zipline at the Suzuki Adventure Zone daily from 19-28 April. Along with this there will also be abseiling, trampoline bungy, aqua rollers, paintball and a climbing wall.

Take part in high-octane drifting daily from 19-28 April at the Outdoor Drifting Track. Here visitors can also be thrilled by daily variety shows featuring all the driving tricks and manoeuvres. 

No Business like Showbusiness

Starstruck followers of all things Showbiz can get their fix at Joburg’s Talent Show – With daily rounds at 10.30 am on the Main Stage in Hall 8 from 19 – 22 April.

The final rounds to choose Joburg’s best talent are taking place on the weekend of 27 and 28 April at 10.30 am. 

Live Cook-off

SA’s newest reality based cook off – the JacarandaFM Clash of Ages, will take place daily at the Chef’s Village in the South African Garden and Home Pavilion at 10am from 19-22 April.

The final live celebrity cook off will be sizzling on the weekend of 27 and 28 April at 10am. 

Flowers and Decor

Visit the gorgeous Flower Show in Hall 5 on the Main Stage daily for your chance to win a trip to the breath-taking Chelsea Flower Show 2019. 

Gaming and Cosplay adventures 

A Fortnite Gaming competition will take place at the Gaming Entertainment Pavilion at 10am daily on 19, 20 and 21 April.

Gaming qualifiers will take place daily at 2pm from 23 to 26 April with the Grand Final taking place on 27 April.Daily

Fortnite Dance Competition will take place on the Main Stage of The Gaming Entertainment Pavilion daily.

The Masquerade Cosplay Ball will take place on the first and last weekend of the show in the Gaming Entertainment Pavilion. 

Fun for everyone

Visit the magnificent Animal Kingdom daily at The Outdoor OS2.

The Kalahari Scientist will be wow-ing audiences daily on the Main Stage in Hall 9 with shows throughout the day for the entirety of the Rand Show period.

There will be a daily street parade at 1pm every day.

Watch out for entertainment Buskers performing a variety of acts daily on the Busker Stages.

Don’t miss the Zip-Zap Circus on the Main Stage in Hall 8 at 5pm on 26 April, and then 12pm and 5m on 27 April, or at 12pm on 28 April.

World famous Sword Swallower Murray Malloy will be on the Main Stage at the Outdoor Link on 26 April at 5pm, 27 April at 3pm and 28 April at 1pm. 

Rand Show Favourites

The SANDF display, one of the most beloved show relics, will not disappoint fans this year and will take place from 19 – 22 April at the Main Arena from 11am – 1pm.

The Drum Majorette Gold Cup will take place in the Main Arena on 27 April from 5-9pm.

The Rand Show Museum will be open daily from 10am – 7pm. 

The prizes up for grabs are almost as unbelievable as the entertainment line-up and include a Suzuki Swift which can only be won if you purchase your tickets online, a magnificent Easylife Kitchens home makeover, trips to Twitchcon USA, Chelsea Flower Show UK, Lesotho, Kirstenbosch Gardens and so much more!

All that is left to say is that this is one super-sized family day out that you definitely don’t want to miss. With an entire day’s worth of out of this world entertainment packed into each and every ticket, what are you waiting for? Visit www.randshow.co.za to get yours now!

It’s almost time for Joburg’s most iconic event and this year promises to be an all-round show-stopper! Celebrating it’s 125th year anniversary, the Rand Show is synonymous with family entertainment on a grand scale, and this year, the injection of on trend content will leave visitors wanting for nothing, except maybe a little more time to soak up the fun!

TO DIARISE:

This year the Rand Show will be running from Friday 19 April until Sunday 28 April. Joburg’s Best Day Out will take place once again at one of Joburg’s best known landmarks – the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Corner Nasrec Rd & Randshow Rd, Johannesburg. This is South Africa’s largest purpose-built exhibition, conference, convention and event venues and can accommodate a vast array of super exciting things to see and do. The ability to jam pack the venue with entertainment and shopping makes for a perfect 10-day event to keep your family entertained during the April holidays.

EARLY BIRD SPECIALS:

Normal ticket prices are R 80 for children under 17 and R 150 per adult. A limited number of Early Bird tickets are now available! Purchase of an Early Bird ticket offers you a saving of up to R 70 on the ticket price, meaning that for as little as R 100 per adult and R 50 per child, the whole family can come along. This great saving includes free entry into the Gaming Pavilion, as well as automatic entry for every adult ticket purchased to win a Suzuki Swift, sponsored by Suzuki South Africa. Limited tickets are available so don’t miss out!

WHAT YOU CAN EXCPECT AT THE 2019 RAND SHOW?

The 125th celebration includes the introduction of a host of family orientated, and never before seen attractions.

Gaming, Cosplay and Dance are just some of the new additions to the entertainment menu, and gaming fans will be given a real treat at the new Gaming Entertainment Pavilion with a Fortnite Gaming Tournament where R 100 000 is up for grabs.

Well-loved Show favourites are back, such as the gorgeous South African Garden and Home Pavilion, exciting Military displays featuring supersonic jets, attack helicopters, armoury and synchronized aerial displays and of course the fantastic fun fair.

For petrol heads – and who isn’t in SA? -  there is the world class World of Motoring showcasing a Motoring hall, spinning and drifting, driving course, the anticipated IASCA World Record Sound Competition.

The chance to win big is made even greater with a host of other prizes up for grabs, ranging from a  stunning home make over from EasyLife Kitchens, which includes a new kitchen and cabinetry in each room. It comes with R150,000 furniture from Home Italia and a Mlily Manchester United bed. You can also be off to the Chelsea Flower Show in London and local travel to the beautiful Kirstenbosch or beautiful Lesotho – the whole family can walk away winners.

All these activities have also been super-charged with the addition of a world class Fashion, Beauty and Fitness Expo which will be attended by some of the world’s biggest names in fitness such as; Hattie Boydle from Australia, Tom Coleman from the UK, AJ Ellison from the USA and our very own Jaco de Bruyn.  This Expo will also host events such as SA’s Fitness Runway Model competition and public workouts where visitors can themselves take part in fitness sessions. All followed by delicious healthy, nutritious treats available at the pavilion.

Cape Town’s famous Zip Zap Circus will also entertain with breath-taking performances from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 April.

Or if cooking or talent shows are your thing, be sure to catch the finals of SA’s brand new Jacaranda Clash of Ages and the Joburg’s Talent competition.

There is so much more happening, but just a last teaser, one of SA’s favourite spectacles is watching a great Drum Majorette challenge and this year the Drum Majorettes Gold Cup is back!

This is truly a 10-day, super-sized festival of fun for all ages.

Visit www.randshow.co.za for more information.

On Thursday, 11 May, BON Hotel Midrand will be hosting an Event Showcase - creating beautiful and functional spaces to highlight the ways in which the venues at the hotel can be used. Invited guests and the public can pop by between 11h00 and 14h00 and indulge in the latest culinary eats and be inspired by on-trend, interesting and creative concepts for weddings, events, special occasions, conferences and launches. 

Celebrity Chef Citrum Khumalo, from Asidle Culinary Kitchen and Chef Lucy at BON Hotel Midrand will be whipping up the latest in culinary eats – from high tea delicacies, healthy and innovative conferencing catering, canape’s and cocktails, as you wander about the hotel, meet our suppliers and experience all the different pockets of creativity and inspiration. 

When:  OPEN DAY, Thursday, 11 May from 11h00 to 14h00

Where:  BON Hotel Midrand, 546, 16th road, Constantia Park, HalfwayHouse (minutes from the Gautrain)

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Meet our suppliers: Adverb, Asidle Culinary Kitchen, Auto Bavaria, Bold Pearl, Connecta-floor, Gauteng Tourism, JC Functions, Lounge Around, Massive Records, Showbiz Productions, The Tablecloth Hiring Company, Ulunga Bar