Launched in September 2008 on the outskirts of the quaint village of Magaliesburg, the Magaliesburg Country Classic Festival has helped to reposition the Magalies Meander as a noteworthy excursion for discerning day trippers (or overnighters) looking to escape the urban confines of Johannesburg and Pretoria on a quick country getaway.

Dubbed The Great Escape, this consummate country festival celebrates not only the variety of hospitality venues and attractions the Meander offers, but also the gracious pastimes which elegant country life affords – from enjoying classical music and gourmet food (complimented with excellent wines and a variety of other bespoke beverages) - to country-style picnicking; rambling; or participating in more strenuous sporting activities like the Bekker Bundu Bash mountain bike race for those who are more actively inclined.

Performance line-up:

Performers include:
• the Black Tie Ensemble;
• the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra;
• the Field Band Foundation; and
• for horse lovers, the Diamond X cowboys and dancers will be presenting a uniquely South African equestrian performance.

Enjoy:
• Caviar, Oysters and Champagne with Forum Harmoni;
• Chocolate and Champagne by Maropeng;
• Extraordinary pasta combinations from the De Hoek Country Guest House;
• Mouth-watering lamb cooked on open flame spits by Valley Lodge;
• A Prawn and wine pairing from Budmarsh Private Lodge;
• A deli selection from the elegant Italian country restaurant Casalinga; and
• Chef’s treats and small delights from Mount Grace.

Experience:
• The Lion and Rhino Nature Reserve; Plumari Game Lodge; and The Elephant and Monkey Sanctuary in the Africa Geographic wildlife are;
• Fruits; cheeses; and faire at the organic Green Kitchen Market;
• Picnic baskets, pasta, and pastries;
• Soothing outdoor spa treatments from Just Haven;
• Wine and beer tasting featuring South African wines with a special focus on organic and ‘green’ wineries and the Warthog Brewers;
• Barcode and their cocktail bars, a micro brewers beer garden, or a more tranquil coffee lounge;
• Kiddies activities with yoga for kids, rides, face painting, archery and lots of open space;
• Equitalk and their unique human-horse communication and equestrian programmes;
• The chance to win balloon trips from Bill Harrop’s Balloon safaris, spa treatments, hotel stays and adventure prizes from Sparkling Waters and more;
• The Ceres cocktail and lounge area and the Backsberg wine bar;
• An outdoor fashion viewing in the midst of the lifestyle area; and
• Hot air balloon displays from Flying Pictures.

The festival takes place around the latter half of September and the main performance date of the Festival, held in the grounds of the Bekker Schools is Wednesday, 24 September. Tickets, available from Computicket, are priced at R100 per adult for general entry, while children under twelve are free. Tickets for the wine or beer tasting arena are R150 and this includes entrance to the festival and tasting areas.

Headline events to be staged during the course of the festival include the Bekker Bundu Bash mountain bike race; a trail run; and an equestrian exhibition; and display. An organic market; country picnic area; and gourmet food area featuring the many elegant venues from the Magaliesberg area make up other parts of the Festival which takes place on Heritage Day itself, comprising a strong cultural aspect to this elegant celebration of country life.

In the spirit of genteel country living entertainment will focus on classical music performances throughout the day by the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra and the Field Band Foundation. Performances can be enjoyed while dining on an array of gourmet foods and enjoying fine wines and other refreshing beverages. Cheeses; fine teas and coffees; wine and beer tasting; and an organic market make up some of the other festival attractions.

Full details are available on www.magfest.co.za.