The annual Hillbrow Carnival, known as ‘Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala!’, took to the streets of Johannesburg on 8 August 2026 to reclaim public spaces through community art. Curated by Tamzyn Botha, the event kicked off at the historic Windybrow Arts Centre, drawing residents into a procession focused on the migratory journeys of birds.
This year’s theme used the movement of birds as a metaphor for freedom and collective communication across borders. The event continues a long-standing tradition in the suburb, originally inspired by the vision of the late public art advocate Lesley Perkes.
Arise, take to the skies. Just as birds migrate across lands and share messages from afar, we are taking up the airspace.
Speaking on the artistic direction of the procession, Gerard Bester highlighted the symbolism behind the chosen imagery. He noted that the ‘go-away bird’ served as a central motif to illustrate the transition from alarm to artistic expression within the neighbourhood.
The go-away bird’s sharp call warns the bushveld when danger is near, and so it inspired the procession, transforming alarm into art, warning into wonder and rebellion into play.
The festival serves as a vital platform for community engagement in high-density areas, emphasising the role of joy and performance in urban planning. While this event is specific to the Johannesburg inner-city context, its focus on reclaiming shared space through creative expression resonates with community-led arts initiatives across the Cape Flats.
The details of this event were confirmed through reporting by the Daily Maverick on 15 August 2026. We will check in with organisers for information regarding future community workshops and planning sessions for next year.