Thank you KZN for coming out in tens of thousands to support local! A R263 million injection into the local economy. Durban really is the Warmest Place to Be!
What a week in Durban! From the country’s top horse racing event – the Hollywoodbets Durban July – to the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show 2026, Durban was undoubtedly the warmest place to be in Kwazulu-Natal, with Show attendance numbers shooting up to 66,300, 2 percent up on last year! Visitors from around the province and beyond, flocked east to Dream, Create and Live, at this year’s legendary annual Show for everything house, garden and…entertainment! Families arrived for breakfast, some stayed for lunch, others came for supper, picking their favourite brand of eats, drinks and live music from round the globe. It was the ONLY place to be.
Photo by Stuart Queripel.
Tens of thousands streamed through the Show doors to enjoy favourite established brands and discover new ones…and there was plenty NEW. This year’s Show put the spotlight on interactivity and activations…whether it was the remarkable part AI, part human, Dolly and her Trolley and stilt walkers, or long-legged ladies flying the House of Red’s flags, there was something to grab the attention round every corner. School holidays meant children rule, and the Show didn’t disappoint! Loads of interactive games and characters like Nintendo’s Mario and Luigi, fun activities like (really) giant inflatables, fun arts and crafts opportunities, and a host of favourite eats, treats and sweets.
Mario and Luigi at Nintendo. Photo by Stuart Queripel.
As always, the East Coast Radio House and Garden Show has a resounding impact on the economy of Durban. New Show Director Lara Bezuidenhout spelt it out: “The Show generated around R263 million though travel, accommodation, restaurants and tourism – that’s a substantial figure to add to the local economy, as well as the hundreds of jobs created, from electricians and artisans, to stand builders and cleaners.” She added, “One of the things we’re most proud of, is the great exposure we’re able to give small businesses. Both new and upcoming as well as established businesses are offered a substantial platform to reach tens of thousands of new clients, and build long lasting relationships through the Show. “
Small business owners Lulu and Keith Rodericks of LuluBee showcased their products for the third consecutive year. Decorated mindfully with handmade wreaths, dried flowers and freshly picked herbs daily, their delightful stand was an eyecatcher: “Our soap flew off the stand, so much so we had to restock three times. The Show is also excellent for driving traffic to our permanent market outlets, with a visible spike in sales there too.”
Solly Suleiman’s Highlight RSA interiors focussed on concealed storage in a bold, stylish walk-in closet. He was thrilled with the attention his products received, and with well over 30 000 views on each of his Tiktok and Instagram accounts, visitors were seeking him out. “We’ve had designers and stockists wanting to collaborate with us, built up some great relationships, and have appointments lined up from the minute the Show closes.”
Standholders applauded this year’s massive uptick in activations such as the Braaiboss competition smoking hot at the Khakibush magazine stand, the House of Red’s fashion and beauty master classes, and the great interactivity of Domestos, who took the award for Best Interactive Experience. Food lovers reserved their spots as their favourite chef showed them exactly how it’s done at the Hirsch Kitchen, while online shoppers learnt about Takealot’s new relationship – Takealot Now and Mr D - as well as discovering Takealot’s very own brands.
Hirch’s Demo Kitchen. Photo by Stuart Queripel.
Much of Hirsch’s merchandise drew gasps, as fridge doors became full entertainment centres, hands-free electronic window washers effortlessly cleaned massive sheets of glass, and yesterday’s Sodastreams became tomorrow’s sexy “Must Have” item! “Today’s consumer wants to know what’s in the food he’s buying…so to make sure, he makes it himself. Health is a real driver of appliance purchases,” says Richard Hirsch. Ice cream machines were flying off their shelves; so were juicers.
Competitions and prizes topped previous years, with delighted winners announced live on East Coast Radio throughout this past weekend. From international travel prizes to oodles of local holidays, cool camping gear to the latest braais, over three hundred thousand rands worth of goodies and gadabouts was handed to lucky Showgoers.
Photo by Stuart Queripel.
For Bezuidenhout, “The energy throughout the Show has been outstanding. It was especially encouraging to see so many new exhibitors joining us this year, alongside our long-standing supporters, creating a fresh and dynamic experience for visitors. Thank you KZN for coming out in droves to support everybody’s favourite house and garden show. Wait ‘til you see what we have planned for next year!”
