Some of South Africa’s most creative and disruptive minds have come together to create a spectacular and out-of-the-ordinary food and music festival. Taking place at Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift on 26 and 27 October 2024, The Luxurious Marble Circus is a grand collaboration by the Marble Group, Grid Worldwide, G&G Productions and Investec. Straying from all that is usually expected at a festival, this two-day event fuses fine dining with an elaborate outdoor experience, exquisite entertainment, and spectacular theatrics.
Wedding and event specialist, Anne Mann, has curated the decor for The Grand Dining Room and The Royal Lounge as two exclusively extravagant and intriguing spaces. Each is defined by its own unique palette and textures, carefully chosen to evoke a specific mood and theme. “The Grand Dining Room, in collaboration with Moët & Chandon and Hennessy, draws inspiration from the iconic Marble Restaurant, where blue holds significant meaning. Not only is it the founding family’s favourite colour, but it also symbolises the restaurant’s connection to its surroundings. In translating this to The Grand Dining Room at The Luxurious Marble Circus, we’ve chosen deep blues paired with dramatic tones, accented by vivid red and subtle hints of metallic. The textures include smooth draped velvet and luxurious marbled surfaces, which together convey a sense of opulence and refinement. The overall effect is a mystical, ethereal atmosphere that embodies depth, mystery, and sophisticated elegance, with a touch of exclusivity and an offbeat charm.”
At The Royal Lounge, in concert with Don Julio and Johnnie Walker, the popular Saint Restaurant is represented through orange to capture its playful and vibrant spirit. Rich, feisty oranges contrast with hues of pink, yellow, and teal. “These colours create a playful, slightly exotic atmosphere that is undeniably edgy,” says Anne. “The textures and colours together exude spirit, passion, and power, introducing an element of intrigue—hinting that anything can happen, and it probably will.” Overall, Anne has created a luxurious, opulent setting that is juxtaposed with a lighter, more playful visual style. Visitors to The Luxurious Marble Circus will experience “a unique interpretation of luxury, one that is not just about grandeur and extravagance, but also about creating a world that feels meticulously crafted, whimsical, and slightly offbeat”.
Unlike conventional food festivals, the quintessential Marble theatre of experience will be evident at The Luxurious Marble Circus and guests are invited to foray into the array of incredible experiences on offer. A feature bar central to the event is The Uncaged Carousel, in collaboration with Schweppes, where art, entertainment and an elaborate exhibition come together. A circus carousel playfully contrasted with the famously zoomorphic world of Zioux; making it part bar, part art.
The Fantastical Forest boasts two additional bars within a beautiful woodland setting, where guests are invited to mix, mingle and meander into the Savanna Speakeasy. In addition, Windhoek offers a curation of special entertainment on a rotating stage and The Vista Veranda by Veuve Clicquot hosts a champagne and oyster bar, while the Valpré Spritz & Spring serves delectable spritzers in a French-inspired courtyard.
Playground in the Field is open to all ticket holders where spectacular dishes in an array of styles will be served by a host of local chefs such as David Higgs, the Lazy Makoti, Katsuhiko Miyamoto, and Trevor Chikaura at the Pantry-inspired Tasting Station.
At The Royal Lounge wonderful wood-fired sharing plates inspired by Saint and prepared by David Higgs and guest, J’Something, will tantalise the taste buds. The Grand Dining Room, where patrons are served a plated multicourse menu, is a decadent culinary affair that will be orchestrated by David Higgs and special guest Reuben Riffel.
“Finding creative ways to connect meaningfully with our people, clients and partners is something that we continuously seek,” says Itumeleng Merafe, Head: Private Bank South Africa, Investec. “Banking, wealth management and festive style gatherings are not usually intertwined, and The Luxurious Marble Circus partnership offers something that’s Out of the Ordinary.”
For entertainment, roaming performers will engage with guests throughout the day as they indulge in extraordinary hospitality, a parade of bars and delectable dining. Then, at sundown, the Luxurious Marble Circus Stage will burst to life with a plethora of astonishing acts to surprise and delight, ranging from circus performers to award-winning talent.
“Seeing this idea come to life over the past year has been incredible” says Adam Byars, Joint CEO and Partner at Grid Worldwide. “As brands look for opportunities to offer authentic experiences for their consumers, a festival like The Luxurious Marble Circus extends beyond; creating human connections that allows brands to show up in a lifestyle and entertainment space that is fun, relevant and that has never been done before.”
Tickets are available online. Visit www.luxuriousmarblecircus.com for more information.
