The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July brought thousands of visitors to the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, where the annual horse racing spectacle was complemented by a wide range of premium marquee experiences.

This year's event embraced the theme, 'Country Allure', with each marquee interpreting it through its décor, food offerings and entertainment programme while providing guests with distinctive hospitality experiences.

Durban Tourism's Coastal Allure Marquee highlighted African-inspired design with coastal influences, featuring cowhide accents, earthy textures and comfortable lounge spaces.

Guests enjoyed an extensive menu prepared in collaboration with chefs from the Durban ICC, including wraps, skewers, curries, roast lamb, oxtail and desserts.

The entertainment line-up featured a mix of DJs and performers such as Mondli Ngcobo, DJ Happy Gal, Kabza De Small, DJ Merlon, Dankie Booi, DJ Tira, DJ Cndo and Boom Shaka.A major addition to this year's event was The Ascots, a new 4,000-square-metre venue capable of hosting up to 4,000 guests.

Designed with premium lounges, bars and open-air spaces, it offered high-end dining options including sticky pork ribs, grilled lamb, smoked Norwegian salmon blinis, fresh salads and a live meat-carving station.

The music programme included international and South African artists such as Swae Lee, Bryson Tiller, Masego, Shekhinah, Cassper Nyovest, Elaine and Tresor.

Meanwhile, the JC Le Roux Marquee provided racegoers with trackside views from its al fresco viewing deck, allowing guests to watch the horses pass only metres away.Decorated in the brand's signature red and gold colours, it served gourmet snacks and desserts while maintaining a lively atmosphere.

Overall, the event successfully combined horse racing, fashion, dining, live entertainment and premium hospitality, reinforcing the Hollywoodbets Durban July's status as one of Durban's biggest social and sporting occasions.