An Urban Christmas Picnic
Media Release: For Immediate Release
26 November 2025
The Sheds@1 Fox with Gauteng Opera present:
An Urban Christmas Picnic
Venue: The Sheds@1 Fox (entrance along Alexander Street, between Marshall and Fox Streets), Ferreirastown, Johannesburg
Event date: Monday, 15 December 2025 from 17:00 until late
Hidden behind forlorn brick walls and giant steel gates is one of Joburg City’s greatest surprises: an entire district of historic, industrial warehouses. It is here that Hubert Davies opened mining warehouses in 1893. While most of the buildings on site date from the 1920s and 1940s, the centre part of the main shed is possibly the oldest industrial structure in all of Joburg City. Oregon pine posts and trusses suggest that this part was built before the South African War (Anglo Boer War).
There is much history and legend associated with the location. A liquor license was granted for the Ferreira’s Bar on this site in 1893 and for the Good Luck Bar in 1895. One can only speculate that Charles Glass himself peddled his original Castle Lager here.
Located on the Western Edge of Joburg City, in an area known as Ferreirastown where Joburg’s first miners pitched their tents during the gold rush – and neighbouring historic Marshalltown where many mining corporations and banks still have their offices – The Sheds@1Fox is bringing a new lease of life to a historic corner of the city.
While retaining the original character, the historic warehouses have since been refurbished into a thriving marketplace – an artisanal food and produce market, surrounded by eateries and bars. This lifestyle emporium is designed to serve the corporate workforce of the city as well as the many travellers visiting Jozi for a vibrant, African urban experience. Located close to the confluence of the M1 and M2 highways, just off the Selby off-ramp into town, and a short distance south of the Nelson Mandela Bridge, The Sheds@1Fox is accessible from all corners of Johannesburg. It is easily reachable by walking from the Westgate Rea Vaya bus station (connecting to Soweto) and from the Chancellor House bus station (connecting to Park Station). A Gautrain bus stop is also nearby in Sauer Street, while a dedicated parking area ensures easy access to the market for those arriving by car or tour bus.
On Monday, 15 December, guests can join us at the Sheds from 17:00 until late and enjoy the gorgeous foods and drinks on sale during this ‘Urban Christmas Picnic’. An evening where patrons and guests can indulge in the soothing sounds of Forté with a programme that will definitely bring out the Christmas Spirit in every listener. Forté will create, as always, their own arrangements of beautiful standards from the array of well-known and much loved Festive Music. This special event for the whole family will awaken the Christmas spirit of peace and harmony in all. Bring the whole family and enjoy the togetherness and warmth of good food and inspiring music.
Performance: Monday 15 December from 17:00
Venue: The Sheds@1 Fox, Ferreirastown, Johannesburg
Prices: R100 - adults, R50 - children
Tickets: Available on www.1fox.co.za from 1 December 2025
Eats & Drinks: Available to buy at the many stands at the Sheds – limited credit
card facilities – bring cash
Issued by GAUTENG OPERA on 26 November 2025
Contact: Arnold Cloete, 012 322 7944, [email protected] http://www.gautengopera.org or http://www.1fox.co.za
