Baron in Sandton, who came onboard as the venue of choice, played host to the hundred of participants and didn’t shy away for rewarding all with a fantastic after-party. Vodacom, together with their partner company, Afrigis, designing the amazing mobile application to track all the teams around Joburg. Play Energy Drink as well as RMB also came onboard for this event. A special thanks to all…. because of their involvement this could all take place and raise valuable funds for SOS Children’s Villages.

The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund is commemorating its 30th anniversary this year by hosting its popular annual fundraising banquet in Johannesburg.

Table bookings are now open for the Bell’s Night of the Stars Rugby Extravaganza, one of the most popular events on the South African social calendar. It takes place at the Ballroom at Montecasino on 17 August – four days ahead of the Springbok-All Black Tri-Nations clash at Coca-Cola Park – and the Boks will once again be on hand to man the phones in a live telethon that helped raise over R1-million last year for the victims of serious rugby injuries.

World Cup hero Joel Stransky will be the keynote speaker with Dan Nicholl acting as master of ceremonies on an evening where ordinary fans can enjoy an unforgettable night by socialising with their past and present Springbok rugby heroes. In keeping with tradition, the banquet dinner will styled as an extravagant event with a host of exciting line-ups including live entertainment, an interactive rugby trivia game show, and an auction of popular rugby memorabilia and other sought-after lifestyle items.

The Fund was established in 1980 by former Bok captain Morné du Plessis after his teammate Chris Burger broke his neck and later died playing for WP. “The Fund is something very close to my heart and I am happy that so many past and present Springboks will be at our banquet,” said Du Plessis, who is chairman of the Fund. “This event really can make a difference to the players of all ages and levels who have to spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair.

“What started out as a tribute to a fallen team-mate has grown into something special, of which the entire South African rugby fraternity can be truly proud.” The telethon will be televised live on SuperSport 1 from 8-10pm. The public are encouraged to call in to 082 235 0420 and speak to a Springbok. During the telethon, there will be live television crossovers to the banquet, allowing the viewer at home to feel part of the evening’s fun and activities.

“The Bell’s Old Scotch Whisky Team is extremely proud of their association with the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund and the Bell’s Night of the Stars,” said Dominic Malan, marketing manager of Bell’s Extra Special Old Scotch Whisky. “We have been involved in raising funds for this charity for the past decade and the Night of the Stars is an event that not only aids the raising of these all-important funds but is a celebration of all the hard work that the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund does to enrich communities through their charitable efforts.”

Tables cost R10,000.00 with Gauteng based ex-Springboks filling one of the 10 seats. To book or for more information, visit www.playersfund.org.za, phone Gail or Alison on (021) 659 5615 or email events@playersfund.org.za.

The cost is R50 per event or R500 for a Dirt Pass and this includes a t-shirt, camping and events for the entire three-day weekend. The weekend will be jam-packed with activities including skills clinics, free ride challenge, fun rides, bicycle polo tournament and many more. For more information and pre-entries, visit www.dirtopia.co.za, email theteam@dirtopia.co.za or call the Dirtopia Trail Centre on (021) 884 4752.

There will be loads of wine, mouth-watering food, diverse country stalls and live music from local artists including Waldo Lotz and Hugo Nieuwoudt. Wine lovers will sample wines from Allesverloren, Tukulu, Theuniskraal, Le Bonheur and Org de Racq. Festivalgoers can visit the farm on Friday and Saturday from 09:00 – 19:00, and on Sunday from 09:00 – 16:00. Entrance is free. For more information, contact Allesverloren on (022) 461 2320.

The Great Moscow Circus will offer families in South Africa the best in thrills, action, comedy and excitement. Performances take place from 26 March to 11 April at Carnival City’s Big Top Arena and from 16 to 27 April at the GrandWest’s Grand Arena. There are various pricing structures depending on the show and seats but children are given special prices. Tickets are priced from R30 to R260. Visit www.computicket.com for bookings

Since breaking out on Broadway in 1972, this musical has been firmly established in the cultural Hall of Fame. The show will feature an all South African cast who will dazzle the audiences with unforgettable songs from the movie. Grease has maintained its everlasting popularity, proving that teenage angst and love’s young dream remain timeless and universal themes. Tickets are priced from R100 to R350 and are available at the theatre and Computicket.

The course will give participants in the 18km and 40km mountain bike races as well as the 15km trail race a chance to compete on the ‘wild side’ through the rugged and picturesque Gwahumbe Reserve Game & Spa. Those who do not want to take on this gruelling challenge, newcomers and children can enjoy the 5km and 10km fun rides. A toddler’s race is included in the day’s events. Race entry fees range from R40 to R120. For more information visit www.juicylucy.co.za or call Brett Austen Smith on 082 572 4522.

Now in its 26th year, the event is held as an annual fundraiser for Women for Peace (Basadi ba Khotso) and proceeds from programme sales will go to this charity. The Messiah highlights the spiritual grace of Easter time with performers including Richard Cock. Entrance is free. For more information contact Nelson Mandela Square marketing on (011) 217 6000 or www.nelsonmandelasquare.com

Activities for the day include local country food, wine tastings, vineyard tractor rides and live music entertainment. Entry fee for adults is R65 per person and includes a complimentary glass and barrel tasting, and children under the age of 18 get in free. Tickets will be available at Eikendal prior to the event or at the gates on the day. For more information, contact (021) 855 1422 or email info@eikendal.co.za

The Winter Good Food & Wine Show will treat gourmands and good-life devotees to the most sensational line-up of international celebrity chefs yet – including ‘Mr Hell’s Kitchen’ himself, Gordon Ramsay, who will make his first ever public appearance in South Africa, local chefs and many more. This takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 13 to 16 May. There will be book signings, organic products and workshops by world leading chefs. For more information, visit www.gourmetsa.com

LiveOutLoud is giving away five double tickets to the show. Entrants can apply by sending an email with the subject line: Good Food and Wine to DeniseM@liveoutloud.co.za. Entry closes on 28 April.