This May, The Magical Marble Family Fest arrives at James & Ethel Gray Park for two wonder-filled days (9th and 10th May). Leading the sparkle is Anele Mgudlwa, one of South Africa’s most loved personalities, taking on the starring role of Fairy Godmother of the Explorers.
Known for her vivacious energy and unmistakable laugh, Anele won’t simply be a host of the festival, she will inhabit it. As Fairy Godmother, she becomes the guardian of wonder, the weaver of moments, and the keeper of magic dust, guiding families through a world where imagination and stories are something to be stepped into.
And she won’t be waving her wand alone.
Meet Alakhe, ambassador to the Explorers and the child-experience charm. Joining Fairy Godmother is her real-life son, bringing wit, warmth, and that “kids-get-it” credibility to the festival experience. Together, Anele and Alakhe tell the story of a one-of-a-kind adventure designed to delight little ones, tickle teens and create a space where families find fun together.
“Being at The Magical Marble Family Fest is about laughing more than you expected, playing more than you planned, and letting the day unfold with wonder,” whispers Fairy Godmother, Anele. “It’s about truly exploring, and finding the magic, whether young or old.”
A festival world built for every age (yes, every age)
The Magical Marble Family Fest is a joyful spin-off from the creators of the celebrated Luxurious Marble Circus, reimagined for families, blending luxury, imagination, taste, music, and laughter into one shared, sensorial enchantment.
Expect a full-day playground of “choose-your-own-wonder”, including:
- The Magical Marble Main Stage, a storybook stage filled with goosebump moments, special show segments, and a fantastic line-up of local and international talent and surprises
- Tiny Town, a safe, soft and sensory-rich space for toddlers and their grown-ups
- A Carousel Complex for hands-on creativity and “I-made-this!” moments (think bead bars, temporary tattoos, jewellery making, terrariums, caricatures, crafts, face painting, and more)
- The Magical Marble Forest, home to the Forest Stage and late-day energy, including acrobatic performances, TikTok challenges, and glow-in-the-dark marvels
- An epic Nerf war zone, giant games, and sporty, interactive adventure spaces
- A specially curated food and refreshment universe, inspired by Pantry
- The Carousel of Dreams, a double-decker, beautifully curated carousel, exclusively made for Family Fest
- The funnest, delightfully-designed jumping castles, for kids of all ages
- Imaginative U18 bar delights like floats and fantastical drinks, as well as the Uncaged Carousel and Skytrain bars for the adults
- And so much more!
And because Sunday is Mother’s Day, extra touches to celebrate moms with meaningful mementos and moments are built into the experience.
Family Fest characters bring the charm
The Magical Marble Family Fest is guided by a cast of original characters, each designed to speak to different ages and add cheer to the wonder-filled world before, during and after the festival. Whether on artwork or socials, made for merchandise, or strutting on stage, these characters offer glimmers of the happiness, whimsicality and mischievousness that encapsulates the festival and those who attend.
Up first is Dazzle, the festival mascot, a bright, bubbly zebra who believes every day should sparkle with adventure and theatrics. For the little ones are Nunu, a tiny, terribly brave, and endlessly curious pink, flying leopard, and Tumtum, a clumsy little hippo with a huge personality.
Young Explorers are guided by Skattie, an ostrich on skates who emanates joy and enthusiasm and is always on the move, and Slo Mo, the coolest tortoise around, laid-back, story-loving, and surrounded by good vibes. Parents and grandparents resonate with Ma, the affectionate mother meerkat, filled with all-in, always-together energy, and of course Mkhulu, the wise grandfather, there for story time, wonder time, and memory-making.
Not always front and centre, but definitely in the mix are Zaza, the effortlessly chic, camera-ready, and the queen of “you’re already enough” mongoose, Lavuma a fearless, energetic, rabbit who loves sport and adventure, Moji the soft-spoken, twinkle-eyed elephant and Stiltz, the dreamy, courageous giraffe.
Another character adding glitter and glam to the weekend – this time as completely herself – is the sparkly-haired songstress and braid queen, Sho Madjozi. Taking bedazzling to the next level, Explorers can plait, pleat and perform all sorts of hair tricks at the Sparkle Braids section near the main stage.
“The Magical Marble Family Fest brings families a joyful step out of the ordinary – and, importantly, leaves something lasting behind,” says Ryan Parkhurst, Investec Wealth & Investment International Head of Marketing. “We’re proud to partner on an experience that celebrates imagination and togetherness, while creating real legacy through community benefit, emerging talent and more responsible event-making.”
With music in the air, stories under the trees, characters come to life, and Anele the Fairy Godmother leading the magic from start to finish, The Magical Marble Family Fest should be on every family’s calendar this year.
Bring the toddlers who still believe in magic. Bring the tweens who have big ideas and wild imaginations. Bring the teens who are ready for something bold, unexpected, and seriously fun. Bring Gogo, bring Oom, bring the whole crew!
Tickets are available on Howler.
Visit www.magicalmarblefamilyfest.com for more details.