Rage Festival has made a triumphant return this year, hosting 5,000 young adults from December 2 to 10 for the popular matric-leavers holiday. Although this attendance is just over half of pre-Covid numbers, the festival marked a successful comeback for the organizers and attendees.

The festival, held at the Sound Factory near Ballito, attracted participants aged 18 to 25, ensuring that it adhered to strict age restrictions. Attendees enjoyed performances from artists like Black Coffee, Nasty C, Shimza, and more.

Organizer Greg Walsh shared the challenges the festival faced due to the two-year Covid-19 pandemic hiatus, which had a significant impact on the business. Despite not making substantial profits this year due to the loss of major sponsors, Walsh sees it as a reinvestment in rebuilding the brand for the future. Some sponsors that withdrew this year are expected to return next year after witnessing the successful event.

Attendees came from various regions, with 60% from Gauteng, 30% local, and the remaining 10% from around the country and beyond. Safety measures were paramount, with strict age verification protocols and bag checks at entry points. The festival worked closely with Red Frogs, who provided a safe, positive, and sober presence, resulting in a notably safe environment according to reports.

This year’s Rage Festival serves as a resilient comeback for the event, showcasing its ability to adapt, prioritize safety, and create memorable experiences for attendees. As the owners of Rage Festival, this success story can provide insights into effective event management, safety measures, and rebuilding after challenging times.