SPLASHY FEN SET TO ROCK THE BERG

Supported by East Coast Radio and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the 22nd Splashy Fen Music Festival is coming up over the Easter long weekend (April 21 to 25) and is set to rock the Southern Drakensberg with an awesome line-up of more than 90 top live music acts on two stages.

Included on the bill are the likes of Vusi Mahlasela, Boo!, Karen Zoid, Ard Matthews, The Rudimentals, Valiant Swart, Jack Mantis Band, Aquarian Quartet, Margaret’s Daughter and Good Luck, the hugely popular Cape Town electro-swing outfit.

Add to that Wrestlerish, Versus the Wolf, Isochronous, Holiday Murray, No One’s Arc, Newtown, Peachy Keen, December Streets, T.H.O.T.S, Checked Zebra, Captain Stu, 7th Son, as well as the Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters from Pietermaritzburg, Splashy Fen’s featured act honouree for 2011.

For blues fans, there’s Natasha Meister, the Redhand Blues Band, Joshua Grierson and The Town Criers, Boulevard Blues and the maestro himself, Dan Patlansky.

This year also sees a strong showing of Durban acts, among them John Ellis, Red Light Stereo, City Bowl Mizers, The Otherwise, Manuvah to Land, Sibling Rivalry, The La Els, Catlike Thieves, Habit To (who’ll be launching their brand-new album at the festival), Madala Kunene, Shannon Connolly, Sheep Down, The Kickstands and many more!

As is now tradition at Splashy, music clubs from around the country will be represented by more than 30 acoustic acts, such as Celtis, Rooibaardt, Life of Riley, Meri Kenaz, Thomas Krane, Hannah Wildflower and Miles Sievwright, to name a few. Three up-and-coming Durban school bands - New Hysteria, Toxic Candy and Black Math - will also be given a chance to shine when they kick the festival off on April 21.

Something new at Splashy Fen this year is the Freestyle Tribal Village. Situated in a separate tree-shaded area, this colourful tipi village will be home to creators of authentic handicrafts, as well as live music and daily drum circles.

Also making its debut is the Hooters Comedy Tent, featuring a showcase of the hottest, funniest and most original stand-ups on the South African circuit. Set to deliver stand-up comedy at its best are the likes of Durban School of Comedy’s Simmi Areff, Robby Collins, Glen Bo and Dusty Rich, plus Johannesburg’s Alyn Adams, Cape Town’s Martin Evans and UK comedian Martin Davis.

Also on offer are loads of fun outdoor activities for the whole family, an extensive craft market featuring over 50 stalls, a wide variety of food and drink outlets, as well as a separate family campsite and Kreef Hotel’s tented accommodation.

Splashy Fen is now more family-friendly than ever and youngsters are welcome to join in the fun at the Children's Centre, which is open from 09h00 to 16h00 each day. For no charge, children will be cared for and entertained with a variety of Easter art and craft activities, construction toys, DVDs, interactive drumming, movement education, storytelling and exciting live shows. The centre also offers a child-minding service from 19h00 to 22h00, leaving parents free to watch the evening acts.

Held on a farm near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal, Splashy Fen was established in 1990 and is the longest-running music festival in the country. With its breathtaking mountain vistas and unique vibe and character, there is simply nothing else quite like it! Tickets R500 at Computicket and selected Game stores. The price includes camping for the entire festival. For more information and the full programme, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or contact 031 563 0824.