Percy Zvomuya fills us in on where to watch, party and shop in Johannesburg during the Soccer World Cup.
Goethe-Institut
The Goethe-Institut has opened a trailer park at its offices in Parkwood. According to a statement from the organisation, “the Goethe-Beach offers a new idyllic scene of middle class relaxation enhanced and made possible by the pet love of South Africans and Germans: the trailer”. The trailer park, to run for the duration of the World Cup, will feature “camping chairs and braai facilities”. Their programme will include readings, film screenings and cultural workshops. Matches will, of course, be screened live from Goethe-Institut’s atrium. After the matches “holiday-makers are released into the city’s bars and clubs”. — 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, off Newport Road, Parkwood. Tel: 011 442 3232.
Emoyeni Conference Centre
The upmarket conference venue in Parktown has named its World Cup programme “The African Experience Soccer Lounge” and is meant for those fans who do not enjoy stadiums — in a phrase, the armchair critic. — 15 Jubilee Street, Parktown. Tel: 011 544 6900.
The Grace
The Grace Hotel in Rosebank is opening its roof to the football-loving public. Dubbed “Roof-Top Fanville”, it is open from June 11 until the end of the tournament. The venue, big enough to accommodate up to 200 fans, is meant to resemble that of an outdoor English country pub. Doors to the terrace open at 12pm on match days. — 54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank. Tel: 011 280 7200.
House of Nsako
The popular venue that shut its doors a few months ago has reopened in the renovated room upstairs at the Troyeville Hotel. There is a massive party planned after the Argentina-Nigeria match this Saturday. — 25 Bezuidenhout Street, Troyeville. Tel: 072 223 2648.
Troyeville and Kensington Fan Village
The Troyeville and Kensington Fan Village is situated in two venues within walking distance from Ellis Park stadium. Until July 12 the organisers are planning a flea market selling local arts, crafts and designs. The two venues will house more than 60 indoor stalls and booths, located diagonally opposite each other at the old Gem Bioscope and the Red Line Gallery. — Check out the facebook page: Fanvillage Troyeville.
Newtown and The Bassline
Outdoors, catch a traditional dance programme at Mary Fitzgerald Square and a kiddies’ corner located at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. The indoor programme includes A Dance Tribute to the Art of Football at the Dance Factory, House of the Holy Afro at the Market Theatre and African jazz at the Bassline. Museum Africa is also hosting a showcase of African art. Restaurants will host free music and poetry performances and there will be poetry readings at Xarra Books. Watch the BLK JKS, one of the country’s biggest musical crazes, at the Bassline on June 11. — 10 Henry Nxumalo Street, Newtown.