Rosebank goes Rio

Rosebank, once an area on the brink of urban decay, is now a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination and this turnaround was a result of private sector intervention in 1998 which led to the formal registration of an improvement district known as the Rosebank Management District (RMD) in 2001.

The RMD has played a vital role in public space management through the introduction of services supplementary to those provided by the city council such as security, cleaning, maintenance, marketing and the establishment of special programmes that address transport, access, parking and homelessness in the area.

In celebration of their success to date, on Heritage Day this year, over 100 performers will line the streets between Cradock and Bath, with more than 650 traders - including B&B Markets Rooftop favourites - completing a full day fiesta of fun for the entire family.

The entertainment line up includes big circus acts on a high trapeze rig, a 30 member steel drum and percussion orchestra, an international dance show, Marimba band, and Kidz Zone to keep the little ones entertained.

In true Mardi Gras style, parades will take to the streets at midday, from Brazilian style Samba processions to tap and gumboot dancers, fire eaters, flame throwers and Cape Minstrels.

Managed by B&B Markets, the owners and operators of Rooftop and Hillfox Markets, the Rosebank Mardi Gras will be used as a social responsibility opportunity to raise funds and contributions for Rosebank Homeless Association and Homeless Talk. No entrance fee will be charged, but visitors are invited to contribute cash donations, toys, clothes or blankets, which will all go to charity. Funds raised will be utilised to purchase a vehicle to aid Homeless Talk in their monitoring efforts to keep children off the streets.

The Rosebank Mardi Gras opens from 9am to 5pm, road closures to take place on Tyrwhitt from Bath to Oxford, and on Cradock from Baker to Biermann.