KuGompo’s cherished community event, Music in the Park, is set to dazzle local music lovers on Sunday at 2pm at Berea Gardens in the Valley.
This long-running tradition, which dates back more than two decades, will see families and friends once again gather with picnic baskets to enjoy live music under the open sky.
Event organiser Jane Potgieter, who partnered with the Rotary Club of Arcadia to launch the first Music in the Park in 2003, told the Go! on Tuesday it is all systems go for this year’s instalment and all the preparations are in place for the much-anticipated outdoor event.
“We will start with the Caledonian Pipe Band, followed by the Clarendon High Chamber Choir, then the Lilyfontein Marimba Band, St Joseph’s Choir, and end off with the Selborne College Military Band,” said Potgieter.
“All preparations are going well, and the weather is looking great for Sunday.”
She said access to the venue will be via the Valley entrance, where visitors will make their way down two flights of stairs into the scenic, park-like grounds.
“At the bridge, entry fees can be paid. Children and pensioners enter for free,” she said.
“Don’t forget to pack a picnic basket and bring folding chairs or a rug.”
Potgieter also acknowledged the support of Lee Gold for providing the sound system.
This year’s programme offers a rich variety of musical styles, featuring performances by St Joseph’s Choir, the Clarendon Chamber Choir, Lilyfontein Marimba Band, Selborne College Military Band and the Caledonian Pipe Band.
A highlight for 2026 is the debut appearance of St Joseph’s Choir, a young but fast-growing ensemble led by passionate educators.
Beyond celebrating young talent, Music in the Park remains rooted in community upliftment. Funds raised are shared among participating schools, while a portion also supports needy pensioners living at Berea Gardens.
Hosted jointly by the Rotary Club of Arcadia and the Rotary Club of East London, the event is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all.
Visitors are encouraged to come prepared, settle in, and enjoy an afternoon of music in one of the city’s most picturesque outdoor settings.
