Supported by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the annual Splashy Fen Music Festival near Underberg is geared up to present one of its best line-ups in recent years and promises a fantastic four-day programme of more than 80 live acts on two stages.

But music isn’t the only reason to get to Splashy! The festival is now even more family-friendly than ever before and offers a host of fun outdoor activities ranging from swimming, tubing and fishing in the river or dams to hiking, laser games, a zip line and children’s entertainment programme.

Montessori Children’s Centre
In addition, all kids are welcome to join in the fun at the Montessori Children's Centre. Here junior Splashy Fenners between the ages of 2 - 8 years can spend time creating and having a good time in a safe and stimulating environment, guided by qualified Montessori teacher, Erin Fuller.

The centre is open daily from 10am - 4pm and children will be cared for and entertained with a variety of Easter art and craft activities, as well as stories, construction toys, DVDs and shows. A child-minding service is also available on prior request, where children will be looked after from 7pm - 10pm, leaving parents free to watch the evening acts.

Eco Village
There’s also a fascinating new eco village where festival-goers will be able to see innovative green initiatives in action. Powered solely by wind, water and solar energy, the village will offer zero-waste, eco-friendly camping, product displays and an eco-restaurant. It will also host an environmental film festival, with cutting edge movies being shown nightly on a giant inflatable screen.

Family campsite
Another new addition is a bigger family campsite, which is the ideal spot for festival-goers with young children. People wishing to stay in this area will need to pay a R100 surcharge (per car) at the main gate. Access will be on a first come, first served basis and space cannot be pre-booked.

And for those of you wishing to make your stay even more comfortable, there’s the tent ‘hotel’ option, where you can enjoy hassle-free camping at reasonable bed-and-breakfast rates. More information at www.kreefhotel.co.za.

Splashy Fen celebrates its 21st festival over the Easter long weekend from 1 to 5 April. Tickets cost R425 at Computicket and selected Game stores, or R550 at the gate. The price includes camping for the entire festival. Tickets for children aged 4 - 11 cost R100 and are available at physical Computicket outlets and the festival gate. Children under four get in free.