March 30, 2007
By Tammy O'Reilly
THE tagline for this year's Rand Show is "Bring everyone" - and it's not just fancy marketing; there truly is something for everyone.
The entertainment and shopping line up is renowned for catering for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, and this year is no exception. On the cards are more than 550 exhibitors, selling everything from candyfloss to property, and the daily entertainment is a varied mix of concerts, demonstrations and dance performances.
Taking place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, the Rand Show this year runs from Friday, 30 March to Sunday, 15 April. Now in its 112th year, it remains the largest consumer show in Africa.
"Testimony to the success of the Rand Show as a consumer show is the return each and every year of our stalwart exhibitors, some of whom have been exhibiting for over 30 years, as well as the addition of new exhibitors every year," explains show manager Bryan Brett.
Floor space is sold out and this year an extra hall has been opened to accommodate additional exhibitors.
"What was interesting to note at our recent exhibitor launch was that while we have maintained our existing exhibitor base, we have grown … by at least 30 percent, consisting of first-time exhibitors as well as existing exhibitors who have expanded their offering or increased their floor space based on the value of the business they do at the show."
The young at heart can go on exhilarating rides at the Rand Show
On the home, lifestyle and leisure front there is a large representation of brands and products dealing with pools, lapas, furniture, art, home décor, spas, camping gear, caravans, sewing machines and appliances.
The national broadcaster's stage is a firm favourite with patrons, and this year top radio and television presenters and cartoon characters are on the bill.
One of the highlights is the Global Trader's Hall. International traders from Syria, India, Pakistan and Egypt transform the hall into a one-stop shopping paradise, with a host of exotic and sought-after products and furniture that are rare on the local market.
The main arena hosts a number of shows, including an Afrikaans music festival, gospel choir Joyous Celebration and show jumping. The popular Star Tonight Bollywood Festival is on Sunday, 8 April from 5pm to 8 pm. This variety show showcases Indian culture in dance, song, fashion, music and comedy.
Unfortunately, this year there will be no Y-FM concert. Organisers say this is because the concert is usually over-attended, posing a safety hazard.
On Sunday, 8 April from 12am to 6pm people who love Gauteng's diverse cosmopolitan lifestyle can make their way to the Kaya FM Afropolitan Lifestyle Experience, where health, wine, dance, arts, culture, fashion, music and cuisine are on the menu.
The Afrikaanse Musiekfees, with some of the biggest artists in the Afrikaans music industry, was first staged at last year's show. It proved to be a resounding success, and will be back again this year. It is on Monday, 9 April from 1pm to 7.30pm, with the likes of Bianca le Grange, Kurt Darren and Steve Hofmeyr in the line up.
Joyous Celebration closes the show, on Sunday, 15 April, with a concert from 2pm to 6pm. The gospel show made its debut in 1996 and more than a decade later it is still going strong.
The Rand Show runs from Friday, 30 March to Sunday, 15 April. Its gates open at 10am and close at 8pm daily, including on weekends and public holidays. Tickets for adults are R45, children under 12 pay R25 and children under two are free. People over the age of 60 are also free, provided they have valid identification.
Once inside the Johannesburg Expo Centre, at the Nasrec show grounds, there is no additional entry fee to any of the entertainment, except the amusement park and adrenaline thrill rides.
There is ample parking available at R15 a car. Alcohol, guns and other dangerous weapons, picnic baskets and cooler bags are not allowed.
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