New horse racing event to launch in Joburg

Joburg skyline from Turffontein Racecourse - Charles Johnstone

Equinity is an extravagant show and performance, built around, and incorporated into, night-time horse racing. There are unexpected features: acts falling from the sky, performance and sets purpose-built to create a mystical world, and massive audio-visual productions for the post main race finale.

When asked what makes Equinity unique, CEO Angus Campbell, says, “We believe we can surprise and create awe through what we do. We take people on an emotional journey using music, entertainment, cuisine, performance, and art. And we do this at a place you would least expect – under the stars at a night-time horseracing event. We love showing people the beauty and power of the horses and including our audiences in all the aspects of racing through the use of innovative audio-visual tools and our Reality Racing platform.”

Horses passing the finish line - Charles Johnstone

Using the powerful energy of thoroughbred race horses as a backdrop, each Equinity evening is a journey, which begins with a fine-dining experience and culminates in an all-out, styled celebration.

Equinity inverts every element of the traditional horserace experience, as guests become participants, rather than mere spectators. Visitors can take part in exciting themes, interact through dress-up, and continually discover new elements to the evening throughout the Equinity village. Each year a new themed show transforms grand, historic, horseracing arenas into an interactive, experiential fantasyland. Vivid and eclectic lighting shows, amplified sounds, and performances are curated to deliver a powerful experience.

Blue ballet dancer

Equinity radicalizes both horse racing and outdoor performance, introducing a new audience to the sport and turning the sport into a hugely attractive spectacle. “We are very excited to be the first to host Equinity and cannot wait to show a new audience the beauty and intensity of racing when they experience this event for the first time,” adds Clyde Basel, marketing manager at Phumelela.

Illuminessence, the first Equinity production in South Africa takes place on 10 November 2016 at Turffontein Racecourse.