From 12 to 22 December, between 4 and 9  pm, visitors can step into a custom-crafted glass marquee designed for leisurely browsing and exquisite indulgence. The entry fee of R75 includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne and a sumptuous charcuterie board to enjoy, while soaking in the splendour of the season. Entry to this exclusive meander, which is also filled with Instagrammable moments, is limited to 200 visitors per day.

A Seasonal Escape in the Heart of Sandton

The marquee opens with an impressive archway framed by luxury lifestyle nutcrackers, leading into a space dressed with a statement ceiling installation and elegant décor. Soft Christmas touches anchor comfortable lounge pockets and cocktail tables, creating a relaxed flow for guests who’d like to pause with a drink, snack on their charcuterie selection, or simply enjoy the ambience under the Square’s signature sparkling lights. A violinist will perform daily from 6 to 8 pm, adding a melodic touch every evening.

Boutique Finds and Thoughtful Gifting

Inside the glass marquee, an array of local vendors will offer thoughtful festive gifting and classy artisanal treats. Where everyday moments and seasonal celebrations become unforgettable experiences, Babylonstoren will offer a rich farm experience in the heart of Nelson Mandela Square, with a host of farm produce, curated hampers and gifting, as well as lifestyle goods from their historic Cape Dutch farm in the Franschhoek Valley. Celebrating the joy of the season shared, visitors can browse boutique floral arrangements and Christmas wreaths by Veldmeisie, handcrafted confectionery from Oooh La La, bespoke glass décor by Casa LV, imported Italian pieces from Le Perline, ceramics from Storm Ceramics, and hand-poured candles from Chapters Home Fragrance. Lemoni Food Studio will retail their festive favourites, as well as a traditional Panettone merchant, and Matcha Pod will keep the popular tea flowing. A special activation by artisanal gelateria Gelato Mania will offer their delicious icy speciality, and the baristas from Kaldista Coffee Company will ensure that only the best coffee is served.

A curated selection of local cookbooks from tastemakers like Naqiyah Mayat and Angie Durrant will simplify gifting choices for foodies. Laurent-Perrier will be on hand offering tastings, their champagne collection to purchase and personalisable luggage tags as gifts with selected purchases, which make for treasured keepsakes, in their champagne lounge. Exquisite Christmas décor and ornaments will be available from the Grandiflora Christmas shop in the marquee. For those who love beautiful packaging, Wrap It will retail their boutique packaging, designed to leave gift recipients in awe.

Charis Claasen, Asset Manager of Nelson Mandela Square, says, “Celebrations on the Square has been crafted to feel intimate, polished and adorned with seasonal flair. The team set out to create a festive experience that invites people to slow down, sip something special and enjoy the beauty of the Square during this time of year, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors into this carefully considered space.”

In addition to its already popular eclectic ensemble of retail and lifestyle offerings, Gelato Mania and the Standard Bank Art Lab gallery both recently opened on Nelson Mandela Square, adding to the vibrant mix that shapes the destination’s year-round appeal.

For more information on its stores, shopping hours, events and promotions, visit Nelson Mandela Square or follow Nelson Mandela Square on social media: @NelsonMandelaSquare.

The post Celebrations on the Square Brings Festive Elegance to Sandton appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With a royal flush of South Africa’s best Indian comedy giants, Kings & Queens of Comedy And All’ is guaranteed to be a show of hysterical proportions, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, 3^d December 2016.

Comedy lovers can look forward to a stellar, royal line-up with some of South Africa’s brightest and funniest stand-up Indian comedians as they take laughter and hilarity to the next level.

The royal court includes Riaad Moosa, host for the evening’s festivities, Muthu Murugan, Pravesh Mungaldave, Simmi Areff, Farhan Esat, Sans Moonsammy, Yaseen Barnes and Afzal Khan with the belles of the ball Leeanda Reddy and Keru Kisten taking their place as the Queens of the stage.

Kings and Queens of Comedy And All’ forms part of the Blu Blood Bollywood Experience which is a three day cultural extravaganza and celebrates everything Bollywood under one roof.  Dance along with street performers; be swept away by the explosion of colour and energy.  From the best musical talents to top class comedy; the finest local and international fashion to the tastes and smells of the East, there will be so much on offer.

Kings & Queens of Comedy And All’ will run at Exhibition 2 of the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, 3^rd December.  Tickets available through Computicke and doors open at 19h00. The show starts at 20h00.

The post Kings & Queens of Comedy, and All appeared first on Stage and Screen.