On the 9th and 10th of May, the beautiful James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose transformed into a world of colour, music, lights, laughter, and unforgettable family memories as the Magical Marble Family Fest took over Johannesburg. While I could only attend on the 10th of May due to another event commitment the previous day, it was immediately clear why the festival had completely sold out.
A massive shout out must go to Greg Walsh and the entire team at the G and G Productions (The Goosebumps Company) for creating an experience that truly lived up to its name. From the moment attendees entered the grounds, there was a genuine sense of wonder and excitement in the air. The event was more than just a music festival — it was a full family immersive experience designed to ensure that every single person, regardless of age, had something magical to enjoy.
One of the most important aspects of an event like this is inclusivity for the entire family, and Magical Marble absolutely delivered on that promise. Whether you were a child experiencing your first festival, a teenager chasing the thrill of live music, or adults wanting a day out with incredible entertainment, the festival catered for everyone.
The grounds were packed with attractions and activations. There was a beautiful carousel, a towering Ferris wheel overlooking the park, and countless brand activations from companies including Crocs, 947, Exclusive Books, and many more. Everywhere you looked there was another activity, photo opportunity, or interactive experience waiting to be explored.
For the younger attendees, Tiny Town was an absolute highlight. The space allowed little ones to immerse themselves in a world designed specifically for them — safe, imaginative, and filled with playful creativity. It was incredible seeing families spending quality time together in an environment that encouraged connection and joy.
The festival also featured a second stage that kept the energy alive throughout the day with a variety of performances and entertainment. It added another layer to the experience and ensured there was always something happening somewhere across the festival grounds.
Before settling into work mode, I had the opportunity to briefly explore the beautifully designed sets, staging, and activation areas. The attention to detail was exceptional. From the visual aesthetics to the flow of the venue, everything felt intentionally crafted to enhance the magical atmosphere. The production value throughout the event was world class and showcased the amount of planning and creativity that had gone into bringing the festival to life.
My focus for most of the day then shifted backstage at the main stage, where I aimed to fit in as many interviews as possible. A huge thank you to Neil Hunter for assisting throughout the day and helping coordinate access behind the scenes.
During the event, I had the opportunity to interview organisers Greg Walsh and Neil Hunter, alongside Hype, rising young talent DJ Ethan English, Kelvin Urwin, and stage manager Valentine Mphahlele. These conversations provided incredible insight into the amount of work, passion, and dedication required to successfully execute a festival of this scale.
Holding everything together on stage was the brilliant Anele Mdoda, who stepped into the role of the Fairy Godmother MC flawlessly. Anele brought warmth, humour, charisma, and energy throughout the day, helping maintain the magical spirit that defined the entire festival.
The musical performances were equally memorable and showcased a fantastic mix of established stars and exciting talent. The lineup included the incredibly talented 13-year-old DJ Ethan English, Kelvin Urwin, Sun-El Musician, Babalwa M, Zee Nxumalo, Mi Casa, DJ Zinhle, and Neil Hunter. Every performance added another layer of energy and excitement to an already electric atmosphere.
What stood out most about Magical Marble Family Fest was the sense of community. Families danced together, children laughed endlessly, friends reunited, and music lovers shared moments that will undoubtedly become treasured memories. In a world where genuine connection is increasingly important, events like this remind us how powerful live experiences can be.
Magical Marble Family Fest was not simply a festival — it was an experience designed to create goosebumps, memories, and moments of joy for every generation. Judging by the sold-out crowds and smiling faces throughout the park, G and G Productions (The Goosebumps Company) achieved exactly that.