KZN’s foremost and respected arts festivals: the annual Witness Hilton Arts Festival turns 20 this year. It will take place on the beautiful grounds of the Hilton College from 21 - 23 September 2012.

The annual Witness Hilton Arts Festival is broadly considered to be KZN’s premier arts and culture festival and one of the top festivals in the country which consistently produces a sterling programme of cutting-edge drama, comedy, music and cabaret, as well as an impressive array of arts and crafts appealing to all who visit the festival each year. 

The festival attracts an enticing mix of phenomenal South African performers and artists gleaned from the most prestigious stages around the country including the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown in July.

Special featured guest this year is British uber-cool adult ventriloquist / comedian / magician Paul Zerdin – dubbed by The Stage as “A ventriloquist for the South Park generation,” star of many Royal Variety concerts, stage pantos; TV talent shows and a regular talk show guest, Paul Zerdin has established himself as one of the leading ventriloquists in the world.  He is best known for his three characters: the cheeky pre-adolescent Sam, the belligerent OAP Albert and precocious infant Baby. His material is very adult in content – a far cry from the perceived children’s party fare associated with ventriloquists.

Also on the main festival will be Cape Town comedian Marc Lottering. A professional comedian for the past 13 years and has been the recipient of several prestigious awards. His self scripted one man shows which often feature his unique and popular characters, continue to play to packed houses.   

Zerdin and Lottering will both be performing their latest smash hit shows at this year’s Hilton festival. 

Building on from last year, this year’s festival starts with a full day’s programme of age-specific arts-events aimed at schools. Just under a thousand learners will experience the thrill of the performing arts. It is a celebration of all that is young, new and vibrant and has been dubbed “Jongosi” – Johnny Clegg’s word from the Afrikaans meaning “jong os” which has become absorbed into isiZulu parlance. Jongosi is designed to educate, entertain and allow learners to expand their world view. Now in its third year, Jongosi has been a phenomenal success so it is being further developed for this year.  Schools wishing to participate, should  sign up as soon as possible on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Complementing the astonishing theatrical line up is always some great diverse music. Christopher Duigan will be presenting his always anticipated fabulous Music Revival Concert Series. There is also live music for free on the public stages at the festival.

As well as the performance, there is also the Grindrod Bank Mindscape,  a series of lectures, debates, documentary movies and workshops covering a variety of themes. 

For arts industry practioners there is a Hands on Masks Off session presented by National Arts Festival Director Ismail Mahomed.

In-between shows, visitors are invited to peruse a myriad art exhibitions situated in venues around the Hilton campus, and the comprehensive arts and crafts market on the lawns. And of course enjoy a selection of refreshments to suit all tastes. Exhibiting for the first time will be Conor McCreedy – the well respected South African artist currently living abroad.

As productions confirm and details are finalised they will be announced on www.hiltonfestival.co.za, or like the Facebook page ~ Witness Hilton Arts Festival or follow the festival on Twitter 

As Monday 24 September is a public holiday, festival-goers can enjoy Sunday’s line up to the full, not having to rush off early to prepare for the working week ahead. Monday is scheduled as a “travelling day” to enable festival goers to spend a full Sunday at the festival. However, certain top selling productions may run onto the Monday morning.

To plan ahead, consider a full-planned package deal which can be arranged to include flights and transfers (if necessary) accommodation, tickets and meals. Custom-made packages can be negotiated with Ailsa Windsor of Going Places on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / tel: 031 201 2831 / cell: 083 250 2690. 

Booking will open on 17 August. Printed programmes are available in The Witness on 17 August. The schedule of performances will be on the website from 18 August. Printed programmes will be available from selected Spar & SUPER SPAR stores throughout KZN, Exclusive Books (La Lucia, Pavilion, Liberty Midlands Mall and Gateway), Adams in Musgrave Centre, Bookworld @ Cascades; KZNSA Gallery in Bulwer Durban;The Gallery @ Green with Envy in Vause Rd; Pietermaritzburg Publicity offices in the CBD and Liberty Midlands Mall, and the Witness offices in Willowton Industrial estate Pietermaritzburg, The Corner Café in Glenwood, and the Hilton College Theatre (weekdays office hours). Also from leading galleries and theatre foyers. 

Detailed information can be found on this website www.hiltonfestival.co.za or phone 033 383 0126 /7. Info will also be found on the East Coast Radio website

It is strongly advised you book your accommodation early at one of the many B&Bs and hotels in the area. 

The festival would not be possible without: The Witness, East Coast Radio, Grindrod Bank,  SPAR, TOPS, Black Coffee, Budget, SAB, Star Hire, KZN Dept of Arts & Culture