House of Vans Johannesburg was a celebration of local creativity, built on the foundation of the city’s culture and inspired by the communities who call Johannesburg home.(30 August 2019) – Last week saw House of Vans take over Johannesburg for one of the country’s largest pop-up editions to date. The four-day celebration drew in crowds from around the city as Vans treated fans to live music, art and skateboarding as part of an unforgettable street culture experience. In addition to the event’s open skate sessions and unmatched musical lineup, the weekend was filled with free workshops, a photography exhibition, barbershop cuts and flash tattooing, all of which culminated towards headline performances from international acts, Culture Abuse and Rich The Kid on both Friday night and Sunday afternoon respectively. Just a few of the local acts included the likes of Gemini Major, Stilo Magolide, Riky Rick, Desmond and the Tutus, Morena Leraba, Batuk and Kwesta.
“Seeing consumers embrace every pillar of the brand, across all subcultures and races, was one of my key highlights from House of Vans Johannesburg,” says Warren Talbot, Vans Marketing Manager, South Africa. “The event showed our commitment to, and support of local communities while enabling self-expression in youth culture.”
TV & radio personality, and the event’s host for the weekend, Luthando LOOTLOVE Shosha reiterates this thought saying, “House of Vans Johannesburg definitely woke up the game! The event put the brand in a beautiful space in terms of urban culture, and I don’t think I’ve experienced anything like this in Johannesburg. The youth were given an experience they will never forget. Vans did a brilliant job of celebrating local & international acts, while exposing and introducing the kids to different genres, artists and bands. The youth are always looking for something new and Vans gave them that!”
Pros from both the international and local Vans skate teams were in attendance at the event, as Amy Ram, Helena Long, Melissa Williams, Ray Barbee and Jordan Thackery took part in the open skate sessions with local riders of all ages who came through to make use of the House of Vans indoor skatepark. The ‘cash for tricks’ competition on Saturday afternoon proved to be a highlight of the skate activity for the weekend.
To top it all off, event attendees enjoyed the event’s community market which allowed local brands such as Sealand, DEAD. Clothing, Roastin Records, Sk8 Shades, Baseline and Khaya Records to set up shop and take part in the House of Vans experience.
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