national Arts Festival Banner

Sunday, December 1, 2024

WORKSHOP OF WONDERS… AND MORE

 


(Above: Blessing Xaba – who plays the panto dame, Mary Marzipan, in KickstArt’s riotous, rollicking family panto version of “Puss in Boots” - pops into the Pavilion to get do some shopping and enjoy some festive vibes in-between rehearsals. “Puss in Boots” comes to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban from December 5 to January 12. It is set on an enchanted Caribbean Island and features sumptuous sets, colourful costumes, songs, dance and jokes a-plenty. Tickets: Webtickets.)

Inspired by Santa and his elves, the Workshop of Wonders awaits youngsters this festive season at The Pavilion Shopping Centre.

Honouring the notion of a traditional Christmas, the Workshop of Wonders incorporates various festive-themed activities for younger visitors: Cookie Decorating, Snow Slime, Bauble Creation and a Bead Bar to make jewellery and charms. Santa will be in the Centre a fortnight before Christmas for photos, and if children want to write him a letter. He will be located at the Cinema Level from December 12 – 24 between 09h00 and 19h00.

The Workshop of Wonders complements the centre’s existing family entertainment. Entry is free and all are welcome. There will be charity gift wrapping stations from December 13 – 24 on both the lower and upper levels in the centre, staffed by, and as a fundraiser for, the St Martin’s Diocesan Home for Children in Glenwood, who have been looking after orphaned and vulnerable children for more than a century. This is one of their most important annual fundraisers.

The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra will be doing a free Christmas Concert of frothy festive favourites under the baton of newly appointed resident conductor, Chad Hendricks, at the Pavilion Food Court on December 16 at 18h00 for an hour.

For last minute gift shopping there will be a rooftop market on December 21 with some great stocking filler and gift ideas, as well as food, craft and lifestyle items.

And to add some Sunday evening festive vibes, there will be live music performing a combination of classic contemporary holiday hits on Dec 15 and 22 from 18h00 until 22h00.

As we end the working year, there are opportunities for family gatherings, year-end functions and cosy catch-ups. There are two new restaurants on the Pavilion rooftop: Old Town Italy which offers authentic Italian cuisine, old school methods and impeccable service complemented by artisanal deli items and Italian street food, and of course baked goods and great coffee. Elephant & Co whose tag line is food for foodies which offer African Asian fusion-inspired meals, and sushi; good coffee to start the day, and colourful cocktails to end it.

The Pavilion, the second largest shopping mall in KZN, welcomes new tenants: Legends Barbershop; Freedom of Movement; Elephant & Co; Old Town Italy; Brazilia; Healthy Me - Medical Centre; Konke Kuhamba Kahle.