Hobby-X 2024: A Resounding Success with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title and Unprecedented Growth
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Hobby-X has once again proven to be the premier event for hobby enthusiasts across Southern Africa.
This year's event attracted 11,558 visitors from 172 towns and cities, marking a remarkable 33% increase from the previous year. Visitors explored a wide range of hobbies and crafts, discovered the latest products, and mastered new techniques through 39 unique workshops available.
The 2024 edition of Hobby-X embraced the theme of "Retro Cool," which was well received by both visitors and exhibitors. This theme allowed attendees to relive and celebrate the past, adding a charming and memorable dimension to the event. A new feature, the Man Cave, was introduced and received a positive response from those seeking a wider range of hobbies and crafts.
“We were very happy with the tremendous visitor response to this year’s Hobby-X”
says Michael Dehn, Managing Director of the organiser, Messe Frankfurt South Africa,
“in particular as we are transforming the event to represent 69 hobbies. Hobby-X is also a great launch pad to start a business, as many of the exhibitors’ present technology that allows you to enter the creative business at a reasonable investment”.
One of the most significant highlights of Hobby-X 2024 was the successful GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt for the largest display of rolled paper flowers. In partnership with Cricut, the target was set at 1,000 rolled flowers. This goal was spectacularly surpassed, with a total of 6,696 rolled paper flowers verified by the Guinness World Records team, officially confirming the record-breaking achievement.
Speaking about the official world record, Martin Kruger, the Director of Sales and Marketing (Middle East, Turkey, and Africa), said,
“The Cricut team, in collaboration with Hobby-X, is thrilled to announce that we have set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the world's largest display of rolled paper flowers This remarkable achievement is a testament to the incredible teamwork and unity demonstrated by everyone involved."
"Our Cricut machines played a pivotal role in this accomplishment, meticulously cutting the cardstock used for the flowers. While the flowers were rolled by hand, the precision and efficiency of our machines ensured that each piece was perfectly prepared for assembly. From the initial planning stages to the final moments of construction, the dedication and perseverance of our team were truly inspiring."
"Despite the challenges and exhaustion, our team worked tirelessly, day and night, to ensure every flower and panel was perfectly placed. The spirit of collaboration extended beyond our team to include members of the public and our loyal Cricut community, making this a collective triumph."
"Witnessing the entire Cricut family and the broader community come together for this mammoth task has been humbling and heartwarming. This record isn't just a milestone for Cricut; it's a celebration of what we can achieve when we unite our efforts. I am incredibly proud of our team's hard work and the overwhelming support we received. This achievement stands as a powerful reminder of our strength in unity.”
Marlene Bosch, the Show Director of Hobby-X, added,
“First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the outstanding Cricut team. Your unwavering support, innovative spirit, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Working alongside such a dedicated and talented team has been a true privilege.
I am equally proud of the Hobby-X team, whose dedication, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail have been nothing short of inspiring. Your commitment to excellence and your ability to come together to achieve this remarkable goal have showcased the very best of what Hobby-X represents.
This record-breaking display is more than just a collection of flowers; it is a symbol of what can be accomplished through collaboration, determination, and a shared passion for creativity. I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and skills to this project. Your collective effort has made this event truly remarkable and unforgettable.
Thank you to all who participated and supported this endeavour.”
Hobby-X continues to evolve, and this year’s success highlights the event’s dedication to fostering creativity and community among hobbyists of all ages and interests. Hobby-X 2025 is scheduled to take place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit between 1 to 4 May.
Hobby-X
Experience the wider world of Hobbies.
The event Hobby-X will be held from 1 to 4 May 2025.
