Award-winning destination makes history after being crowned Best Marquee for a second consecutive year, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality at Africa’s premier horse racing and lifestyle event.
History has been made at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, with Saso’s Marquee Experience officially crowned Best Marquee 2026, becoming the first marquee in the event’s history to win the prestigious title in consecutive years.
Following careful deliberation by the official judging panel, Saso’s Marquee Experience was recognised for delivering the most outstanding interpretation of this year’s Country Allure theme, combining exceptional hospitality, innovative design, African luxury, fashion, music and cultural storytelling into an unforgettable guest experience.
The historic achievement follows the marquee’s inaugural Best Marquee victory in 2025, cementing Saso’s Marquee Experience as the benchmark for premium hospitality at South Africa’s most celebrated horse racing and lifestyle event.
Designed to immerse guests in a world where contemporary luxury meets African excellence, this year’s experience brought together an extraordinary collection of partners, creatives and performers to deliver a marquee unlike any other.
A defining highlight of the day was MaXhosa Atelier’s breathtaking runway showcase, marking the brand’s first-ever fashion show at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. The exclusive presentation transformed the marquee into a celebration of African craftsmanship, heritage and innovation, with a surprise appearance by Robot Boii adding another unforgettable performance to the show.
The entertainment programme continued to raise the standard, with Somizi as MC alongside headline performances by Kabza De Small, K.O., Sykes and a carefully curated line-up of South Africa’s leading artists. Guests were also treated to a moving Stella Artois Moment by Zawadi Yamungu, whose powerful performance celebrated African identity, culture and storytelling.
Luxury hospitality remained at the heart of the experience. Guests enjoyed premium hospitality and an exclusive Moët & Chandon celebration marking another successful edition of the marquee, while Chef Thuladu, together with Rajah, Knorr and Robertsons, curated a vibrant Harvest Table that celebrated bold flavours and the spirit of shared dining.
Supported by an exceptional group of partners, including MaXhosa Africa, Moët & Chandon, Stella Artois, Hennessy, Mercedes-Benz, Rajah, Knorr, Robertsons, Red Bull, VEEV and LDK Jewels, every detail was intentionally curated to deliver an experience that reflected the elegance, creativity and sophistication synonymous with Saso’s Marquee Experience.
“This recognition means so much because it reflects the passion and dedication of everyone who brought this vision to life,” says Lusaso “Saso” Ngcobo. “To become the first marquee to win Best Marquee in consecutive years is an incredible honour. Every partner, artist, designer and team member contributed to creating something truly special, and we’re grateful to everyone who experienced the journey with us.”
Award-winning designer, entrepreneur and creative Laduma Ngxokolo of MaXhosa Africa added:
“Partnering with Saso’s Marquee Experience gave us an opportunity to present in an environment that celebrates excellence, creativity and African luxury at the highest level. It was more than showcasing a collection. It was about creating an experience where fashion, culture and storytelling could exist as one. Seeing our Atelier Collection come to life in front of such an engaged audience made this a truly memorable moment for MaXhosa Africa, and we’re proud to have contributed to a marquee that continues to set the benchmark for the Hollywoodbets Durban July.”
By once again claiming the title of Best Marquee, Saso’s Marquee Experience has set a new benchmark for excellence at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
As the curtain closes on another remarkable edition, Saso’s Marquee Experience continues to redefine what luxury hospitality can look like in South Africa, proving that when culture, creativity and premium experiences come together, history can be made.
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