DStv Delicious Festival Powered By LottoStar Serves Up Memorable Performances, Local Impact, and Homegrown Success
The 2025 DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival Powered by LottoStar reaffirmed its status as one of South Africa‘s most celebrated events, combining world-class music, culinary experiences, and meaningful local impact. Attracting over 29,000 festivalgoers, the festival continues to cement its place as a must-attend celebration of culture and entertainment.
Beyond the fans, the event was a significant driver of employment, with over 4,800 crew members on Saturday and 5,100 on Sunday, highlighting the festival’s contribution to local jobs and skills development. Over two days, 76 international and 266 local artists, including headliners Don Toliver and Ms. Lauryn Hill, energized audiences while fostering cultural exchange and supporting local enterprises.
The festival remains a vital platform for entrepreneurship. 75 SMMEs participated through the Delicious Festival Trader Academy Powered by FoodBev SETA, alongside 37 food traders and 26 non-food traders. Notably, 11 graduates from a previous Academy cohort were invited to trade on-site, generating nearly R700,000 in turnover over the weekend, with several selling out completely.
DStv Delicious Festival’s economic impact extends far beyond the site. An estimated 30,000+ workdays were contributed by crew, vendors, and contractors, driving skills development and boosting local sectors including tourism, accommodation, transport, and food services. The festival also engaged youth, with 32 student performers from the Khutlo-Tharo School of Specialisation Choir and 2 student interns assisting the production team.
The logistics and operations behind the festival were equally impressive. From 34.5 km of cabling, 400 tons of scaffolding, 22 generators, and 284 m² of LED screens, to 6,330 crew meals served and 16,200 VIP wristbands issued, the scale of production ensured a seamless experience for all attendees. Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa partnered with Petco to promote environmental awareness through recycling activations at three hydration stations.
The festival also achieved global appeal, selling 632 international tickets, including 478 from other African countries, further positioning DStv Delicious Festival Powered by LottoStar as a premier destination for both talent and audiences.
“The Festival has always been about more than just food and music. It’s about celebrating South African talent, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating life-changing opportunities. The jobs created, businesses launched, and stories told are the true heart of Delicious.”
said Tom Pearson-Adams, Founder and CEO
The success of the 2025 festival was made possible with partners including DStv, LottoStar, Telkom, Mercedes-Benz, Coke Studio, Channel O, Proudly South African, Flight Centre, African Bank, Sensodyne, Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, South African Tourism, Gauteng Tourism, 702, 947, Stella Artois, City of Joburg, Gautrain, and the Delicious Festival Trader Academy.
Follow the Festival:
- Facebook: DeliciousFestivalSA
- Twitter: @DeliciousFestSA
- Instagram: @dstvdeliciousfestival
#DStvDeliciousFestival2025
