Perfectly described as ‘a day in the field, an outdoor affair and a festival of marvellous flavours.’ This summer, South Africans can look forward to a spectacle of gastronomy and entertainment at The Luxurious Marble Circus, a two-day food and music festival like no other. Set against the scenic backdrop of Ground the Venue in Muldersdrift, this event in October promises a feast for the senses, blending the best of South African food and music culture with the thrill of a wondrous circus.
The event is born from the creative minds behind the Marble Group, G&G Productions and Grid Worldwide, and
in collaboration with Investec.
David Higgs, a celebrated chef and partner at the Marble Group, shared the inspiration behind this unique event. ‘My partner, Dino Constantinou, has always been passionate about outdoor festivals, and we wanted to create something that keeps our brand relevant and connected to our audience. We thought, why not take the Marble experience outdoors and blend it with the magic of a circus?’
A dash of theatrical flair
The Luxurious Marble Circus is divided into different zones, each offering its own distinct experience.
‘When you think of festival food, you often expect something casual, maybe even served in a box. But we’re doing something entirely different,’ says Higgs. ‘At the Marble-inspired space, for example, guests can expect beautifully
set tables, an incredible multi-course menu and a dining experience that’s truly a show in itself.’
Unique dining and entertainment zones are a highlight of this grand affair. Central to the event is The Uncaged Carousel, in concert with Schweppes and inspired by Zioux. ‘It’s an enchanting oasis playfully contrasted with the famously zoomorphic world of Zioux. It’s not just a bar – it’s an extravagant exhibition, where art and entertainment come together,’ he says.
‘Our dream was to gift people a truly out-of-the-ordinary experience by finding the perfect meeting point of decadent food affair, mega music festival, and theatre,’ says Greg Walsh, Founder and CEO of G&G Productions.
‘The stage is a staggering 36 metre wide and 12 metre high and looks like it comes straight out of The Grand Budapest Hotel. Entertaining you on that stage are our fabulous Ring Master, six aerial artists, 12 actors, six dancers and 20 music artists and various accompanying instruments and vocalists. And the entertainment
doesn’t stop there – we’ve booked 26 performance artists to entertain you throughout the day. Our festival’s mandate was to create luxurious fun and we’ve gone all in on both,’ Greg adds.
The Fantastical Forest is an area that all guests have access to and is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. For those seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, the Bar Extravaganza provides a space to mingle with friends while enjoying views of The Luxurious Marble Stage. Meanwhile, Playground in the Field, in collaboration with Windhoek and Savanna, invites guests to explore a pantry-inspired tasting station, where renowned chefs like David Higgs, the Lazy Makoti, Katsuhiko Miyamoto, and Trevor Chikaura showcase their talents.
‘The idea is to create something special with some of the most talented people in the industry in every space,’ says Higgs. ‘Whether it’s the way the food is presented, the little side shows happening around you, or the award-winning entertainment on the main stage, everything is designed to make you feel like you’re part of something extraordinary.’
The Royal Lounge, inspired by Saint, is an outdoor excursion in conjunction with Don Julio and Johnnie Walker. This sumptuous haven offers wood-fired sharing plates prepared by David Higgs and J’Something. And for the ultimate experience in fine dining, the Marble-esque Grand Dining Room provides a lavish culinary affair orchestrated by Higgs and Reuben Riffel in a setting of refined elegance, with Moët & Chandon and Hennessy in accompaniment.
Beyond the ordinary
True to its name, the festival is full of surprises. You’ll be entertained by performers who bring a touch of bizarre and mischief to the day’s proceedings.
The idea was to create a festival that transcends the traditional food and music event, offering an experience
that is both luxurious and whimsical. ‘It’s about finding creative ways to connect meaningfully with our people, clients and partners,’ comments Adam Byars, joint CEO of Grid Worldwide. ‘The Luxurious Marble Circus is an avant-garde take on traditional festivals. Nothing will be normal – from the decor to the food to the entertainment,
it’s unlike anything anyone has done before.’
Tickets are available online
26 –27 October 2024
Ground the Venue in Muldersdrift
Visit luxuriousmarblecircus.com for all the delicious details and to secure your spot.
ALSO SEE: At home with restaurateur and chef David Higgs
