Party time at the R
DAY two of the Royal Show saw the #ROYALROCK concert as the main attraction and the
crowds had already begun streaming in by early in the day. By mid afternoon Majozi was on
stage, with a steadily filling arena. The Kickstands followed and while they were entertaining
the throng, Shortstraw band members took the opportunity to leap from the Bagjump and
zip down the Karkloof Canopy Tours zipline along the Royal Show Stream.
Jeremy Loops, the headline act this year, took to the stage as the sun was dipping behind the
grandstand, and the growing party mood was palpable. Screaming and cheering from the
packed arena greeted the band, and continued every time Jeremy spoke to the crowd.
This year’s concert attendance broke recent recordsand seemed to be made up of a younger
crowd, likely the result of the choice of bands this year. A noticeable jump in the Show’s online engagement numbers seems to bear this out. The atmosphere at the Showgrounds has
been energetic too, with lots of laughter, full pubs and groups of friends cruising the walkways around the Showgrounds.
For the fans that came to the Show today, and those people looking for a party in the days to
come, there are a host of attractions at the Show in addition to the bands that were performing. A number of pubs offer a choice of drinks, and there is a range of craft beers available
too. There is also lots of food to enjoy across the Showgrounds — legendary steak rolls, super samoosas, takeaways of all descriptions, and even pizza cones. (You’ll just have to come
to the Show to see what a pizza cone is.) Stalls alongside the back of the arena sell all sorts
of trinkets that will appeal to the young at heart: bags, trendy T-shirts and jackets, boots, cell
phone covers, perfume, costume jewellery... And don’t forget the fairground attractions – the
screams from that side of the Show could be heard late into the night.
And when the party is over at the Showgrounds, ‘Maritzburg has much fun and food to offer
those still in the mood. Check out Jayz Grill, Mama Mia’s and Quincy’s, all conveniently located
near the Showgrounds.
While the economic mood in the country is quite depressed this year, the Show seems to be
defying this. People are going out and having fun. Join them.