A showcase of art and creativity
After an exhilarating inaugural year, the much-anticipated Love Life Festival is set to make its grand return in 2025, enriching the vibrant creative landscape of McGregor and inviting attendees to engage with an extraordinary array of artistic expression. With a reputation forged from the success of its 2024 debut, this multidisciplinary festival will reconnect filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists for a memorable weekend dedicated to storytelling and creativity.
This year, the Love Life Festival has outdone itself with an exciting lineup that promises to mesmerise audiences. Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Watercolour Whispers event on Thursday morning, 20 March, hosted at Kunskombuis in collaboration with the International Watercolour Association of South Africa. This gathering offers a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in a shared creative environment, painting side by side in a celebration of artistry.
The festival will also feature the Art in the Garden exhibit, showcasing stunning outdoor installations. Attendees can meander through various galleries and artist studios dotted throughout McGregor, each showcasing an impressive array of talent from both local and visiting artists. Whether discovering a hidden gem in a quaint gallery or admiring larger open-air artworks, the visual feast is set to be a highlight for all.
A weekend of music, film & connection
Beyond the visual arts, Love Life Festival 2025 curates a delightful blend of experiences highlighting McGregor’s charm. Festival-goers are encouraged to indulge in coffee-shop hopping, engage in meaningful conversations with local residents and fellow attendees, and retreat to the town's picturesque guesthouses, many of which offer exclusive accommodation packages for festival attendees. Each day culminates in spectacular live music performances that promise to resonate long after the final notes fade away.
The musical offerings kick off on Thursday, 20 March, with the sensational Pichi Keane, who returns to the stage with her critically acclaimed drag cabaret, Freshly Squeezed! Following her electrifying performance last year, audiences are in for another unforgettable treat.
On Friday night, 21 March, renowned duo Qadasi & Maqhinga will grace the stage at The Courtyard Bistro & Theatre, delivering a soul-stirring fusion of Maskandi and contemporary African sounds. This performance promises deep cultural connections and an enriching evening.
Saturday night, 22 March, features an intimate solo performance by Wren Hinds, set within the bohemian-style Wahnfried venue. Hinds will take audiences on an emotional journey through his signature blend of indie, folk, and subtle jazz soundscapes, described as “charged with timeless beauty” by Folk Radio UK.
As the festival approaches its finale, attendees will gather on Sunday afternoon, 23 March, at 16:00 for a magical performance by Meg van Wyk at Villa Wahnfried. Her enchanting voice promises to guide listeners through a heartfelt celebration of love and life, intertwined seamlessly with the beauty of storytelling through song.
A cinematic experience
This year, the festival evolves beyond its musical charms to include an impressive selection of film screenings, free to all attendees. The lineup already features the critically acclaimed comedy It Runs in the Family, along with a collection of enticing short films from local filmmakers, with additional titles set to be announced in the coming weeks.
“The overwhelming response to our first festival proved that there is a deep hunger for authentic, diverse, and meaningful artistic experiences,” shares festival founder Christi van der Colff. “Love Life 2025 will push the boundaries even further, offering a platform for both emerging and established artists to connect, collaborate, and inspire.”
With the stunning landscape of McGregor as the backdrop, Love Life 2025 aims to foster an environment where creativity flourishes and meaningful dialogues take centre stage. At its core, the festival remains committed to celebrating art, music, and film as essential elements of a life well-lived.