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The city is officially in Hollywoodbets Durban July mode.
From glamorous fashion designers putting the finishing touches on their Country Allure creations to trainers making last-minute preparations for Africa's richest horse race, the city is buzzing ahead of tomorrow’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, taking place at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse.
This is easily one of the country’s biggest tourism and lifestyle events, transforming our coastal city into a hub of fashion, entertainment, hospitality and world-class racing. The event attracts thousands of visitors from across the country and abroad – and this year is no different!
Durban July by the numbers
eThekwini Municipality has shared some anticipated numbers for this year’s event:
- Around 45,000 visitors expected in the city
- Approximately R254 million in direct visitor spending
- An estimated R880 million total economic impact
- Hotel occupancy expected to reach 80%
- Around 1,270 jobs supported across tourism, hospitality, retail and transport
Durban routes to check
To facilitate the free flow of traffic for spectators and event operations, the city has warned of temporary road closures and traffic diversions around the Greyville precinct.
Affected roads include:
- Avondale Road between Gladys Mazibuko Road and Haden Road
- DLI Avenue (eastbound) at Avondale Road
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, follow directions from traffic officials and consider alternative routes where possible.
What to expect
- Fashion: This year's theme, Country Allure, celebrates countryside elegance with a contemporary African twist, with the winner of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award set to be announced.
- Entertainment: Once the racing wraps up, the celebrations continue with performances from Grammy Award-winning Zakes Bantwini, alongside Mi Casa, Will Linley, Vicky Sampson, Tamara Dey and more.
- Horse racing: Although pre-race favourite STAR MAJOR has been scratched from the field, the main race still promises plenty of excitement, with top contenders including Regulation, Legal Counsel, King Pelles, Native Ruler, The Ultimate King and Gladatorian all chasing victory in Africa's richest race.
READ: Disappointment as Hollywoodbets Durban July favourite is scratched
Whether you're heading to the races, watching the fashion or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it's shaping up to be one of Durban's biggest weekends of the year.
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