Balloon Week 2025: A Beloved Tradition in Makhanda

Each spring, the town of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape brims with pride as two of South Africa's most historic schools - St Andrew's College (founded in 1855) and The Diocesan School for Girls (founded in 1874) - unite for a celebration that has become a cornerstone of their identity: Balloon Week.

For well over a century, Balloon Week has symbolised achievement, community and transition. It marks the culmination of the school year, particularly for the Matrics who prepare to take flight into adulthood, while also drawing parents, families and alumni into the heart of school life. The week is named for the spirit of festivity that balloons embody - joy, pride and upliftment - and these values shine through every event, from spirited athletics to elegant luncheons.

A Family of Schools, A Shared Tradition

Balloon Week belongs to both schools and together they weave a tapestry of shared tradition. St Andrew's College, the energetic hub for many of the celebrations, contributes its long-standing academic and sporting heritage. The Diocesan School for Girls (DSG), with its reputation for artistry and tradition, adds richness and warmth. Together, they create a week that balances ceremony, celebration and inclusivity.

While the internal milestones - such as the Matric Final Assembly, Rite of Passage and House Suppers - are cherished moments of camaraderie among pupils and staff, the true heart of Balloon Week lies in the events where families and the wider community are welcomed in.

Highlights of Balloon Week 2025

This year, Balloon Week will be held from 26 - 30 September 2025 and the programme is packed with events that bring parents and pupils together.

Friday, 26 September - A Sporting Welcome
After a morning of Matric-only traditions - including the Final Assembly and Rite of Passage - families are invited to gather on the Lower Field for the Interhouse Athletics Relays (15:00-17:00). This is one of the most entertaining and spirited events of the week. Parents cheer from the sidelines as pupils throw themselves into relay races, displaying not just athletic ability but also fierce house pride. The atmosphere is festive and competitive, with applause, house colours and laughter filling the air.

Later that afternoon, the cricket rivalry between St Andrew's College and Kingswood takes centre stage at Knowling Field. Families and friends are warmly invited to enjoy the match, soaking up the camaraderie that sporting contests always bring.

The evening concludes with a particularly special event for 2025: the St Andrew's College's 175 Celebration Launch. Held in the Drill Hall and Centenary Hall, this cocktail function will officially open a year of festivities marking St Andrew's College's remarkable milestone. Parents will have received personal invitations to this prestigious occasion, underscoring its significance.

Saturday, 27 September - Parents at the Centre
On the sporting front, the Interhouse Basketball Tournament and the cricket matches to be played by St Andrew's and Kingswood Colleges continue the lively energy, with parents and siblings welcomed courtside and pitch-side to cheer.

At 11:30, both St Andrew's and DSG host a Crimson Education Information Session in the auditorium, an invaluable platform for pupils and parents to explore international study opportunities. It's a forward-looking event, helping families consider the academic journeys that may follow Balloon Week.

The jewel in the day's crown is undoubtedly the DSG Parents' Lunch (12:00-15:00 at The Fountain). This elegant occasion is a highlight of Balloon Week and a cherished tradition for DSG families. Parents gather under the Eastern Cape sun to share food, conversation and pride in their daughters' achievements. The lunch is ticketed and much anticipated, creating a festive yet intimate moment of togetherness.

The evening closes with solemn beauty at the Valedictory Services held in both schools' chapels. For Matrics and their families, these services are deeply moving, offering a chance to reflect on years of growth and the journey ahead.

Sunday, 28 September - Culture, Faith and Artistry
Sunday provides a balance of quiet reflection and cultural enrichment. For DSG families, the morning Confirmation Service in the chapel is followed by a tea at The Fountain, extending warmth and fellowship.

In the afternoon, the spotlight turns to creativity with the Opening of the Art and Design Exhibitions (16:00 at SAC's Cornish Visual Art Centre and the Arthur Cotton Design & Technology Centre). Parents and community members are welcome to explore the works of pupils, ranging from fine art to innovative design. This exhibition is always a feast for the senses, showcasing the depth of talent nurtured within the schools.

Monday, 29 September - Ceremony and Recognition
Monday is anchored by one of the most important events of the week: St Andrew's College Speech Day at the 1820 Settlers' Monument (13:30). This formal occasion, open to all, recognises academic, cultural and leadership achievements. Parents swell with pride as pupils walk across the stage, the applause a chorus of acknowledgement for years of dedication.

Later that afternoon, the Retreat Ceremony (17:00 on the Lower Field) offers one of Balloon Week's most stirring spectacles. With precision and dignity, the cadets of St Andrew's College march in retreat, the lowering of the flag symbolising both discipline and the passage of time. Parents and guests often remark on the emotion of the moment - pride, nostalgia and the awareness that their sons are nearing the end of their school journey.

That evening, St Andrew's College parents are invited to more intimate gatherings with Housemasters' Drinks in the various boarding houses, reinforcing the close ties between school staff and families.

Tuesday, 30 September - The Grand Finale
The week closes with the much-anticipated Interhouse Athletics and Prize-Giving on the Lower Field (07:30 -13:00). This combined St Andrew's College and DSG event is one of the most inclusive and spirited of all. Parents delight in watching their children compete, cheer and celebrate in events ranging from sprints to field events. The prize-giving ceremony, woven into the day's proceedings, offers moments of recognition and pride, ensuring that achievement across all spheres is honoured before half-term begins.

The Spirit of Balloon Week

While many of the internal events - from matric breakfasts to House Suppers and speaker dinners - foster camaraderie among pupils and staff, it is the family-centred events that truly capture the spirit of Balloon Week. Parents are not passive observers but active participants, sharing in lunches, ceremonies and sidelines, their pride swelling like the balloons that give the week its name.

There is speculation about the origins of the term "Balloon Week" - from hot-air balloons once used by arriving parents to the idea that parents' heads swell with pride during the ceremonies. But the official explanation is simple: balloons are a symbol of happiness and festivity and this week is dedicated to honouring achievement across all spheres of school life.

✨ Insider's Tip: Stay in Kenton-on-Sea

Makhanda's Balloon Week is one of the busiest times of the year and accommodation in town fills up fast. A clever alternative is to base yourself in Kenton-on-Sea, a safe and tranquil coastal gem just 40 minutes away. Families will love the wide beaches, tidal rivers, rock pools and outdoor activities that keep non-student children happily occupied while the festivities unfold in Makhanda. It's the best of both worlds - the energy of Balloon Week by day and the calm of a seaside retreat by night.

Cheers to Longevity, Joy, Pride and Upliftment

In 2025, as St Andrew's College launches its 175 celebrations, Balloon Week promises to be particularly memorable. It is a festival of heritage and hope, ceremony and celebration, where the achievements of pupils are honoured and the bonds between families, schools and community are strengthened.

From the spirited energy of Interhouse Athletics to the elegance of the DSG Parents' Lunch and the dignity of Speech Day, Balloon Week reminds us why traditions matter. It is not simply a series of events; it is a passage of pride, a time of togetherness and a collective reminder that while school years end, the values and friendships forged in Makhanda endure.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the official 2025 Balloon Week Programme provided by St Andrew's College and The Diocesan School for Girls at the time of writing. Dates, times, venues and event details are subject to change. Families and visitors are encouraged to confirm the latest updates directly with the schools before making travel or attendance arrangements.

Hamilton's Property Portfolio: Serving South Africa's Upmarket Property Market

For over 20 years, Hamilton's Property Portfolio has been dedicated to meeting the needs of South Africa's upper property market. Specialising in luxury homes across Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, the Garden Route and the Winelands, Hamilton's combines expert insight with personalised service.

With agents who live in and know the Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) and Kenton-on-Sea area, Hamilton's is perfectly positioned to assist families who travel for K-Day and Balloon Week, ensuring that your accommodation search or property investment journey is smooth, informed and stress-free. Whether you are looking for a family home, a secure place for you and your children while they study in Makhanda or a long-term investment in one of South Africa's most culturally rich regions, Hamilton's is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Read our previous articles here

Contact one of our offices; we look forward to hearing from you:
Gauteng: 011 463 0155
Cape Town: 021 418 0328 
Winelands: 021 863 0551
Garden Route: 044 050 3295
Eastern Cape: 076 927 7787
Email: reception@hamiltons.co.za

Hamilton's Property Portfolio holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority.