Entertainment and events might look a little different nowadays, but the good news is that life has become a little bit less lonely in the lighter lockdown levels. Sandton Central is safely reigniting the experience economy with more socialising opportunities that South Africans love, and the response to this safe social scene is increasingly positive.
“It’s been a long year of wearing masks, washing hands and being physically distanced from friends and family. After more than 14 months of Covid-19 locally, South Africans are learning to live as safely as possible with the pandemic, and we’re able to return to something that is closer to everyday life responsibly. Reports from the Sandton Central community reveal that more people are moving from solitary leisure to social leisure, especially where they are confident that recommended safety measures are in place,” says Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) District Improvement Manager Elaine Jack.
This sentiment is evident in the fantastic public response to the increase in activities in Sandton Central, which demonstrates just how much social experiences were missed. In fact, more and more events are sell-out successes – with Covid-19 compliance, of course.
Among the events proving particularly popular is “A Journey Through Art at The Leonardo”, the tallest building in South Africa with magnificent 360-degree views of Johannesburg. This exclusive one-hour tour of The Leonardo art pieces, inspired by the famous artist and inventor Leonardo Da Vinci, takes place on Wednesdays and Fridays.
“The tour has become increasingly popular this year. Attendance has been good, with some weeks in April seeing both days selling out. May already has a number of bookings, although there is still some availability should guests still want to book,” says Chenee Seeberath, Guest Relations at the Leonardo.
To ensure the tour is personal and interactive, as well as for COVID-19 purposes, each tour is capped at a maximum of eight people. Those who have taken the tour describe it as a lovely experience that is “educational and impressive”.
“Slowly, we are seeing more people being more comfortable coming out and taking part in activities again. They are certainly more willing to explore the possibility of attending events and tours. The Leonardo has put great measures in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19 and keep our guests safe. I think this is one of the reasons that we have seen an increase in activity in the building,” says Seeberath.
Davinci Hotel & Suites is reporting a similar trend of growing popularity for its events. “There was some caution with the recent second wave, but I think people enjoy getting out. The interest in our events has increased as the alert levels have dropped,” says Janine Radel, Personal Assistant to the General Manager at DaVinci Hotel and Suites.
Radel adds, “Our Whiskey Nights tastings held on the last Thursday of each month have sold out for the last couple of months, and we have seen an increase in Sparkling Saturdays and Urban High Tea bookings. Our High Tea now runs on Saturday and Sunday.”
Sandton Central has become a regional rendezvous point for experience-seekers because it offers more opportunities to socialise and partake in experiences safely – from live entertainment to fashion, food, wine, whisky, art, music, date nights, golf and much more. The latest events happening in Sandton Central can be found at https://sandtoncentral.co.za/events, where you’ll find something to delight you.
“Our own research has shown that more people are itching to reconnect with family and friends, craving unique and memorable experiences, and the more adventurous want to enjoying local outings, day-trips and staycations. We are finding new ways to participate in more activities, and there’s so much to enjoy on the safe social scene. Venues and guests are realising there are more ways to fill your time in safe settings than ever before,” notes Jack.
