The theme for the 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July set to be run on Saturday, 1 July 2023 at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse has been proudly unveiled by Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets.
Launched as a poem each year, the ‘Out Of This World’ theme for the 2023 event hints at the stargates which transports one into a mysterious world far beyond our imagination. Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event will feature a stellar line up of top equines, a star-studded cast of punters, celebrities and designers at play, coupled with entertainment and hospitality on a cosmic scale.
Each year the theme poem is announced to students from fashion design colleges and technikons across KwaZulu-Natal to form part of their curriculum and as inspiration for their entries to be shortlisted to participate in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Awards presented by Durban Fashion Fair (DFF).
The top 10 students from across KwaZulu-Natal, will be shortlisted from an initial pool of 110 entrants, and they will be given the opportunity of a lifetime when they get to showcase their ‘Out Of This World’ designs alongside the DFF Rising Stars and the Invited Designers. This will take place at Gateway during June at the HDJ Fashion Experience Preview Gala. The Top 3 Young Designers will then get to display their creations for the more than 50 000 adoring fans at the 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Although fashion features highly on the race day agenda, the Hollywoodbets Durban July is not just about fashion.
The day offers racecourse goers incredible value for money for their entry ticket with top class entertainment, fun activations throughout the day on stage and on course, and a vast array of refreshments on offer.
The iconic sporting and social event promises to be an immersive and exciting experience into the world of horseracing for everyone who attends, as well as the huge following across the world.
Last year’s event received over 230 000 broadcast viewers, a 155% increase from the year prior, and more than 17 000 social media mentions.
Events and Marketing Executive at Gold Circle, Stephen Marshall said, “At the Hollywoodbets Durban July, fashion is the thread that connects our horseracing fans and our social revellers. It is what defines the event every year, as everyone attending is dressed to the nines. The theme is what kickstarts everything and this year I can’t wait to see how our designers and the public go above and beyond to bring the message to life.”
Sparkling Water wins the 2022 Hollywoodbets Durban July under Smanga Khumalo (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
According to Devin Heffer, Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager: “If last year’s running of Africa’s Greatest Horseracing event is anything to go by, we are beyond excited as we look forward to hosting the most anticipated sporting and social calendar event for our second consecutive year. In keeping with the theme, and in true Hollywoodbets style, it is going to be truly spectacular and out of this world. This year, we are continuing to focus our efforts on the true essence of the event, as we introduce newcomers into the exciting world of horseracing, while making sure the established punters, who already know the game, get to revel in the highlight of the South African horse racing calendar.”
For the public already planning their attendance to the 127th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, it’s time to let your minds explore the vast possibilities for both your race day betting strategy and your stellar outfit.
Entrance tickets cost R230 and are available from 17 April via ticketpro & SPAR stores, as well as selected Sasol, Checksave, Checkrite, Checkme and Checkout stores. Hospitality packages will be available on the event website at www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za/hospitality-experiences/
The poem reads:
OUT OF THIS WORLD
The heavens at night,
Purple skyglow, almost black.
The full moon so bright,
Wispy clouds seem laidback.
The planets in deeper space,
Vista pin-pricked by stars.
Spot one with an amber glow,
Could that be Mars?
Other planets out there,
Inspiringly colourful too.
Your imagination will run wild,
Focus on one that suits you.
Now come down to Earth,
Fashion, fun and entertainment,
And the latest equine millionaire.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event.
A B O V E & B E Y O N D
- Media release by Gold Circle & Hollywoodbets on Monday 27 March 2023
