Top Films to Stream on Showmax This December

WONKA | First on Showmax | Stream from Friday, 6 December

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryWonka stars Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (Dune) as the young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time. 

From Paul King (writer-director of the Paddington films) and Harry Potter producer David Heyman, the magical musical comedy was the seventh biggest blockbuster of 2023. 

Chalamet won the Kids’ Choice Award for Favourite Movie Actor, while Calah Lane was nominated for a Critics Choice Award, Keegan-Michael Key for a Kids’ Choice Favourite Villain Award, and Olivia Colman for a Critics Choice Super Award. Also look out for Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa.

Wonka has an 82% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with The Guardian hailing the family film as “spectacular, imaginative, sweet-natured and funny.”

Watch the trailer:

Continue reading

Explore Festive Events on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast

With the KZN South Coast boasting the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, plus dive sites, tidal pools, nature reserves, hinterland tours, extreme adventures, shops, restaurants and more… there is so much to keep holidaymakers busy. This summer season, there’s even more on offer with lots of holiday events planned on the KZN South Coast, from Christmas markets to the popular Love Summer beach programme.

“Now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast as we have everything a family needs to make the most out of this festive season,” commented CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya. “Many of our local tourism establishments host exciting events during this time and families will be kept engaged at the beach with our annual Love Summer programme with free activities and fun prize giveaways for all ages. We are doing all we can to ensure our visitors embrace summer!”

KZN South Coast Festive Season Events

Continue reading

Experience Disney’s Festive Magic This Holiday Season

Disney Africa recently kicked off Spark Joy This Holiday, its largest festive campaign to date. Throughout the season, fans can experience the holiday magic with Disney, with delightful products that bring beloved Disney stories to life, holiday classics streaming on Disney+, festive programming across Disney Channel and Disney Junior, and the special Disney Chari-tree initiative in malls across the country in support of Reach For A Dream, which helps bring joy to children in need during this season of giving.

Comments Luke Roberts, General Manager, Consumer Product Commercialisation, MENA and Africa: “The holiday season is such a special time of year and Disney is using the power of its stories and characters to inspire joy and wonder in people all over the world. We are excited to launch Spark Joy This Holiday, a campaign that not only celebrates the special connection so many fans and families have with Disney, but also to celebrate this magical time of year together in many different ways.”

Continue reading

“Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” Premieres on Food Network

Hosted by James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), the Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking premieres on Wednesday, 4 December, on Food Network, and features special guests Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley).

Food Network viewers and legions of Harry Potter fans are going to have an extra special holiday season this year with the premiere of the brand-new series, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, on Wednesday, 4 December at 5 pm on Food Network Africa. Capitalising on the enduring love for Harry Potter – a global phenomenon that continues to captivate people of all ages around the world – the ground-breaking series blends legendary storytelling and fantastical edible creations in a never-before-seen competition that will have audiences at the edge of their seats.

James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) bring their exceptional charm and behind-the-scenes anecdotes as hosts of this most magical series, joined by esteemed culinary judges Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef. Across the six-episode season, they will also be joined by special guests Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), who will help in evaluating the competitors’ showpieces and also share their own film stories.

Continue reading

Mzansi Youth Choir to perform at Melrose Arch: Carols on the Piazza

As part of its annual Destination Christmas celebration, Joburg’s premier lifestyle precinct, Melrose Arch will host its popular Carols on the Piazza on Saturday, 23 November at 6:30 PM. This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience as it will feature none other than the Mzansi Youth Choir, fresh from their global acclaim on America’s Got Talent and known for sold-out shows across the world. Plus, the funds raised will help bring a touch of sparkle to those who face challenges with vision—the most precious gift of all.

 

Set to take place in the heart of Melrose Arch’s vibrant piazza, Carols on the Piazza will offer audiences the chance to sing along to cherished Christmas classics with the beloved choir, whose powerful voices captivate audiences. Surrounded by the stunning glow of Melrose Arch’s renowned festive lights – the biggest and brightest display in Johannesburg – attendees can expect a truly enchanting evening as the choir’s harmonies blend with the twinkling night sky.

 

Continue reading