Latest news with #MelroseArch
News24
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
The best winter fun for kids during the July 2025 school holidays
Supplied Winter might be in full swing, but boredom doesn't stand a chance this school holiday. With the July break stretching across the country, malls, play zones and public spaces are transforming into adventure hubs filled with building blocks, glow paint, mini motor shows and even a magical Smurfs Village. Whether you're in Joburg, Cape Town, Durban or beyond, there's something near you to keep the kids busy and happy. Here's your curated guide to the top family-friendly events happening during the July 2025 school holidays. Johannesburg Sandton City – Lego F1: Build the Thrill 5 July to 6 August | Free Shift into high gear with Sandton City's Lego F1 experience where kids can build their own race cars, compete in mini challenges and even win prizes. Interactive, colourful and completely free, it's fast-paced fun for every Lego lover. Melrose Arch – Winter Playground 27 June to 20 July | R70/hour or R140 unlimited play (includes popcorn) Melrose Arch becomes a winter wonderland for little ones aged one to 10. Expect obstacle courses, face painting, toddler zones and even Clamber Club entertainment. Plus, local restaurants are offering family deals to sweeten the day out. Supplied Supplied Mall of Africa – Playtime at Le Petit Playhouse 9 to 21 July | R190 per child (includes show, DIY kit and dress-up) Kids aged two to seven can dive into a world of imagination at this interactive playhouse filled with mini role-play zones, such as a vet clinic, café and fire station, complete with props, puppets and creative workshops. Book: popup@ | 082 499 8834 Supplied Supplied Pretoria The Grove Mall – Smurfs Village and Character Visit 20 June to 27 July | Free (train ride R30) In celebration of the new Smurfs movie, The Grove Mall brings kids a magical Smurfs experience. From interactive water zones to a Smurf-themed train and a one-day-only character meet-up, it's a blue-hued adventure not to miss. Supplied Western Cape Liberty Promenade Mall – Glow Studio (Mitchells Plain) 7 to 20 July | R20 per child A glow-in-the-dark art studio? Yes please; kids can create neon masterpieces on back-lit walls, and every ticket helps support art-focused NPOs. You can enter the photo competition to win a gift card. Supplied KwaZulu-Natal Liberty Midlands Mall – ARTopia Public Art Exhibition (Pietermaritzburg) 1 to 14 July | Free Over 300 artworks created by local schoolchildren will be on display, focusing on climate and conservation. Families can vote for their favourite and win shopping vouchers through the centre's till slip competition. Cornubia Mall – Autostyle Motor Expo 2025 (Umhlanga) 19 and 20 July | R100 (Kids under 12 free) Petrolheads, rev your engines, this high-octane event showcases SA's hottest custom rides, car culture, sound-offs and product launches, all in one family-friendly motor show. Tickets: Bluey's Big Play Don't miss Bluey's Big Play in Johannesburg from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 20 July at Montecasino's Teatro. Fresh from its Cape Town debut, the hit stage show brings Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life with puppetry, music and fun. Families attending are encouraged to support Woodrock Animal Rescue by donating pet food, blankets, toys or second-hand books to help animals in need this winter. Collection bins will be available in the theatre foyer throughout the show's run. Tickets are available via or with special meet-and-greet and VIP ticket options available. This is a must-see winter treat. Bluey Meet and Greets (August 2025) While technically after the holidays, this one's worth saving in your calendar. Beloved pup Bluey will be visiting malls around SA in August for photo ops and fun. Newcastle Mall (9 Aug), Bethlehem (16 Aug), Bloem (17 Aug), Design Quarter (23 Aug), Balfour Mall (24 Aug), Zevenwacht (30 Aug) Free | Limited spaces Show Comments ()
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
World Sports Betting hosts charity poker evening at Daytona in Melrose Arch
The spirit of giving was alive and well at Melrose Arch on May 23, as World Sports Betting hosted its inaugural Poker for Purpose evening at the prestigious Daytona showroom. This stylish and heartfelt affair brought together celebrities, influencers, and media personalities – not only to enjoy a lively game of poker, but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Read more: Local charity raises funds by selling books to build toilets in informal settlements Familiar faces from across South Africa came together, each playing for a charity close to their hearts. With eight poker tables set amongst the gleaming luxury vehicles of the Daytona floor, the setting was every bit as captivating as the cause. The air buzzed with laughter, excitement, and an unmistakable sense of shared purpose as players shuffled their cards and took their seats. Beneath the competitive spirit, however, lay something far more profound: A collective desire to give back. Also read: St Teresas School raises funds for rare diseases charity At the helm of the evening's excitement was media personality Faith Nketsi, who emerged victorious, securing R100 000 for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation. Hot on her heels was acclaimed musician Cassper Nyovest, whose second-place finish raised R50 000 for the Legae Child Care Centre. Team Alan Ford followed in third, earning R30 000 for SALEAF, an organisation dedicated to enhancing education. In fourth place, WSB claimed R20 000 on behalf of Nazareth House. In the true spirit of the evening, no one left the table empty-handed. Media representatives and the Kevin Lerena team each walked away with R15 000 for TEARS and Glove of Boxing, respectively, while Team Bulls secured R10 000 for Care for Wild. In a poetic twist, during the final hand, KO earned R10 000 for Reach for a Dream – a fitting tribute to the belief that dreams are always worth wagering on. The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and heartfelt moments, as stories of the beneficiaries were shared between hands. Guests departed not only entertained, but deeply moved, reminded that every chip played was a chance to change a life. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Nicarela Charity distributed over R7 million in the past 15 years At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Parktown North comedian Costa Carastavrakis brings new show to Melrose Arch
Costa Carastavrakis, a proudly local voice from Parktown North, is set to light up the stage at Melrose Arch with his bold new comedy show, Costa's Corner Kefi. Known for blending razor-sharp wit with cultural storytelling, Costa returns to the spotlight following the international success of his debut, Desperately Seeking Souvlaki. This time, he's serving up bigger laughs, deeper reflections, and the same signature charm that earned him fans at home and abroad. Carastavrakis' path to the comedy stage wasn't conventional. He found his comedic voice in his 40s, after a career that spanned corporate work, acting, writing, and a profound personal journey through addiction and recovery. His story is raw, real, and inspiring – laid bare in his memoir I Am Costa: From Meth to Marathons. For Carastavrakis, stand-up became a lifeline and a way to transform pain into punchlines. 'With proper and thorough healing, I can now make myself laugh at some of it and make others see that true healing is possible if you do the work,' he shared. Read more: Kabomo to treat audience to a night of comedy and music What began as a quiet passion quickly evolved into a calling. Today, his comedy is a captivating blend of personal anecdotes and hilarious cultural insights – a heartfelt, humorous lens into life as a Greek South African. His new show leans into this strength, inviting audiences into the delightful madness of sprawling family dynamics, fierce cultural pride, and the quirks of everyday life in Joburg. Despite his deep Greek roots, Carastavrakis' stories resonate across cultures. Whether he's recounting tales of stubborn aunties, over-the-top family dinners, or community chaos, there's a warm, familiar truth in every bit. His humour has connected with audiences in New York, Athens, Kuala Lumpur and beyond, proving that laughter is a universal language. 'People love South Africans,' he joked, 'and they love feta cheese, so my comedy's easy to digest.' Carastavrakis writes from instinct, constantly developing new material from life's little absurdities. In a country where formal comedy circuits can be limited, he trusts his gut and lets his lived experience lead the way. His ability to find light in dark places, especially in stories of addiction and recovery, gives his comedy both heart and heft. 'Humour and tragedy live side by side. And I've learnt how to dance between the two.' Also read: A celebration of uniquely South African comedy When he's off-stage, Carastavrakis finds inspiration in the streets of Rosebank, where he often people-watches for material. From overheard conversations to the theatrics of everyday city life, everything becomes potential fodder for his next big laugh. Costa's Corner Kefi promises more than just a comedy set, it's a celebration of resilience, culture, and the wonderfully chaotic ride of being human. Loud, relatable, and brimming with heart, this is Joburg comedy with a Greek twist, and your nosiest auntie is more than welcome. Show Details: Costa's Corner Kefi – A Greek Comedy Feast Venue: Melrose Arch Fire and Ice Hotel, Johannesburg Dates: Friday, May 23 at 19:30 Saturday, May 24 at 19:30 Sunday, May 25 at 16:00 Tickets: R220 at (Search: 'COSTA') Age Restriction: 16+ Instagram and TikTok: @costacomedian Ticket enquiries: Email: costa@ Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Get ready to laugh it off with the best of local comedy At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Mail & Guardian
16-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
TCL launches new range of cutting-edge TV's in in Johannesburg
Last Thursday evening, global electronics powerhouse, TCL, launched its latest series of smart TVs – the C6K range, at a showcase held at Daytona in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. The event, attended by media professionals, tech enthusiasts, and public figures, marking the brand's continued expansion into South Africa's premium entertainment market. The venue was transformed into a tech wonderland with ambient lighting, LED displays, and immersive product demonstrations. Upon the arrival of guests, they were ushered into a multi-room showcase where the new TVs took centre stage. The TVs themselves—sleek, ultra-thin displays with what members of the TCL team regarded as groundbreaking visual and audio features. Comparison Room and Next-Level Viewing Head of Sales for TCL South Africa, Mr. Muhammed Ebrahim addressed the attendees at the event, focusing on statistics highlighting the brand's cutting-edge All-Domain Halo Control Technology. Citing advancements in super-condensed micro lens design, super micro-OD, dynamic lighting bionic algorithms, transient response, bidirectional 23-bit processing, a 144hz refresh rate, and HVA Screen Technology, Ebrahim emphasized TCL's commitment to reinventing itself as a dominant force in consumer electronics and, reinforcing their goal to marry innovation with immersive viewing. He further explained, 'people often think affordability means compromising on quality, but TCL is proving you can deliver top-tier tech at a competitive price. Pivoting to the overall user experience, Ebrahim said; 'we've got a diverse customer group, TCL accommodates all your needs.' Both from a cinematic and gaming point of view, TCL wants to give its customers 'a true-to-life experience,' he said. Ebrahim added, 'we've got powerful audio systems; our audio is now powered by Bang and Olufsen'. According to a TCL product specialist and training manager who asked to remain anonymous 'Competitors are trying to emphasise brightness because it attracts the consumer.' However, he argued that controlling the brightness of a TV is the most important job. 'It's a fundamental point, because if you don't, you're going to get an over exposed image,' he explained. As TCL aims to produces a range of offers that result in unmatched colour precision and brightness, this Mini-LED TV range is equipped with next-generation features such as the CrystGlow WHVA Panel and All -domain Halo Control Technology. The specialist explained that TCL's core technology lies within lighting control and indicated that contrast levels; local dimming zones, Mini-LED technology and HVA technology, all play a role in how light is controlled. 'In cases where there is no balance of lighting controls, the image presented on the screen won't be realistic, you're going to get something that's too dull or something that's excessively bright, but we want natural, realistic picture,' he said. He concluded that the new models are fully integrated with incredible assistants like a smart voice control system that works even when you're not connected to Wi-Fi. Fans, Familiar Faces and Festivities Presenter and influencer, Kyle Clark, who describes himself as an avid fan of TCL and their products, said 'If we know TCL' they love to 'do it loud and proud.' For his business engagements, Clark often finds himself extending his computer screen onto his TCL TV, making it easier for him to attend online meetings and fulfil his daily duties. 'TCL has always been that brand that knows how to connect a lot of people together,' he said proudly. Several other influencers and media personalities were spotted capturing content, making sure to document every aspect of the show. As a fun, interactive exercise to wrap up the evening and thank attendees, TCL hosted a lively Q&A session. Guests were quizzed on facts about the new TV series, TCL's global footprint, and product features highlighted during the event. Those who answered correctly walked away with exciting prizes—including soundbars, tablets, and branded merchandise—adding a playful and rewarding close to an already impressive at the launch, the General Manager of TCL South Africa, Mr. Mike Chen, expressed pride in the company's continued innovation. 'We have the latest technology', he said proudly. He highlighted that the halo-controlled technology adds a new variety to TCL products and that the 144hz refresh rate 'defines a change in our products'. He also added that TCL focuses on producing bigger TVs, but also that the Mini-LED technology is the company's key value vantage point. What is clear to all current and future consumers of TCL is that these series of TVs are more than just screens—they're portals into new experiences for our consumers.' The TVs are available right now to all consumers at a very competitive price.
