Everything is in place to ensure that this year’s Splashy Fen Music Festival in Underberg 13 – 17 April will not only live up to its reputation as the ‘Ultimate Outdoor Experience’ but also deliver even more attractions and better facilities than last year’s record-breaking get-together. From the roster of bands to the new levels of creature-comforts on offer, Splashy 06 is set to be the best party our southern Berg district has ever witnessed.

The Music

Headlining the main marquee between Thursday and Sunday nights are Hokum, Polisiekar (the polite version of their name), Prime Circle and an ever-expanding line-up of The Song Riders which so far is set to include Ken E Henson, Roger Lucey, Wendy Oldfield, Dan Chiorboli and Douglas Bean. Other legendary names are bound to join them onstage! Support bands include Love Jones, 7th Son and The Rudimentals. Gen and Keri will MC on all nights except Friday, when the Blunt Crew will front a Blunt Magazine evening. Festival organisers say that the line-up is aimed at “the broadest possible audience and with all-inclusive, family appeal”.

The SAMRO Free Stage – this year to be held on the main stage during daylight hours – will have Liam and Jeremy Mathias on the mikes, and among the pre-booked slots will be a debut appearance by students of the Msunduzi Music Centre. Would-be performers are advised to queue early each morning as competition is guaranteed to be tight, plus the best of the SAMRO Free Stage will go forward to a final where the winner will be offered a main marquee bill at next year’s festival.

This final will be staged on Sunday night in the Grant Erskine Marquee – formerly the Bamboo Stage – which has its own great roster of artists. Headlining between Thursday and Saturday are Cassette, DNA Strings and Farryl Purkiss, along with 2006 showcase singer-songwriter Fiona Tozer, last year’s featured artist Richard Walne and long-time Splashy favourite Syd Kitchen. Blues-rock will be delivered by Dan Patlansky and The Mississippi Muthers plus Splashy veterans Bobby and The Dynamites. There will be a Super 14 rugby break on the Saturday evening between 5 and 7 – this is Sharks country after all and we live in hope! The Underberg Zulu Dancers get Sunday off to a foot-stomping start.
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Activities for All

Complementary therapists, crystal gazers and other alternative lifestyle pursuits will once again be found within the teepee-dotted Rainbow Village, which this year will have a different layout in a more open and sunnier aspect with greater visibility. The rugged set, meanwhile, can pit their driving skills against the Royce Love Nissan 4x4 course, and somewhere between the two are opportunities to join in a drumming circle or ride a camel. This area of the southern Berg is also noted for its hiking and horseback trails, river rafting and cultural excursions, including those to view world-famous cave paintings.

For the youngsters – and don’t forget that entrance for under-12s is free – Ocean View Montessori School will yet again ensure that the Splashy Fen Music Festival is fun- and magic-filled time, while also providing a child minding service between 7 and 10 each evening. Kids will during the day be in safe hands and kept amused with plays, Talking Drums workshops and all manner of edutainment sure to guarantee a memorable and rewarding long-weekend.

Israeli cuisine is among new additions to the Food Stalls, while the seafood section is being expanded and certain old favourites are making a by-demand return. The Craft Market continues to source unique pieces from Africa, India, Southeast Asia and beyond, and among newcomers are handmade hammocks from Thailand, an exciting range of T-shirts and a novel array of fluffy toys and personal items. The find of a lifetime may just be waiting!

Improved Facilities

Out of cash just as you discover that must-buy creation, or it’s your round at the bar? No need to drive into town – for ultimate convenience, Splashy 06 sees the groundbreaking and much welcome introduction of an on-site Standard Bank ATM with Saswitch facility. Desperate for a piping hot shower after dancing up a storm for hours on end? Easigas has stepped in to guarantee a blissfully steamy experience. The toilets have been upgraded, too.

Splashy Fen farm owner and festival director Peter Ferraz is “very excited about all these improvements, because each year we identify areas where we can make our guests more comfortable and heighten their levels of enjoyment. In addition to the vastly better ablution facilities and the long-awaited availability of a cash machine, we are upbeat about the return of The South African Breweries Limited, SAMRO’s sponsorship of the Free Stage and the more professional media links which will be on offer.”

Discounted tickets – while they last – are available at Game Stores and Shoprite & Checkers.
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For enquiries regarding the Craft Market or Rainbow Village please phone Di Sanders on 084 588 0149.