A sprawling formerly derelict light industrial complex in Lorentzville in eastern Joburg, the 30,000m2 site Victoria Yards is undergoing a spectacular re-imagining by the founder of the boutique shopping complex 44 Stanley in Milpark and houses an ever-growing community of makers, artists and artisans.

The underlying ethos of Victoria Yards is to create a community of makers and almost every business also has a workshop or studio space attached where they make the wares on sale, which include everything from fashion and homeware, to fine art, craft beer and furniture.

Those who have already visited one of Victoria Yards' open studio events this year will know that one of the biggest attractions of First Sundays at Victoria Yards is the chance to explore the artist studios and workshops and meet the more than 35 artists and artisans who are based here, including major names like James Delaney, Ayanda Mabulu and Benon Lutaaya.

At this official launch party edition there are also a host of other events planned too which will become part of the regular First Sundays programme.

Events on the official launch programme include: a choice of delicious food vendors, a long-table lunch courtesy of the in-house food studio FoodilLoveYou, a farmer's market offering great local produce grown in nearby urban farms, a crafting area for kids, DJs, live music, performances and puppetry demonstrations by the Carnival Makers Workshop, open artist studios, a new art exhibition by South African pop artist Fringe at Daville Baillie gallery and a pop-up exhibition by the Joburg Photowalkers.