The Valley of 1000 Hills is set to explode with rhythm, sound, theatre and fun in August when Kearsney College hosts the annual Upbeat Festival, a weekend programme of music, theatre and visual arts.

It will include comedy and drama; big bands, jazz and Christian rock, a foreign film festival, buskers’ stage, as well as a school production of Umoja – The Spirit of Togetherness, a tale of South Africa, its people and their song.

Comedians from Comedy Express and Improv Comedy will share their brands of humour in The Big Tent on Saturday afternoon, with popular rock bands Wonderboom and Driverlane taking to the stage for the evening. Also on Saturday night, The Dockyard Theatre will present The British Invasion.

The Best of Brazilian Jazz with Joe Delew and international award winning films from Spain, Vietnam, France, Belgium and Germany will ensure a weekend filled with something for all tastes.

The Upbeat Festival takes place at Kearsney College in Botha’s Hill on August 17 and18. Entertainment for children will include a kiddies’ playground and magic shows. A lively food court, selling an array of Food from Around the World, will allow audiences to socialise between shows.

The primary beneficiary of the weekend’s activities will be The Hillcrest HIV/Aids Centre which provides a valuable service to the community.

For further programme details go to www.kearsney.com and for bookings www.strictlytickets.com or contact 083 918 8551.