Supported by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Splashy Fen will mark its coming of age this Easter from 1-5 April with its most exciting line-up yet, rumours of which have been causing a stir around the country for the last couple of months. Many of the faces who have helped to make Splashy a world-class festival will be there, joined by the cream of South Africa’s rising new talent as over 80 artists play on two stages.

Splashy’s line-up this year is set to raise the bar in its breadth and variety, with the likes of all-girl vamp-rock band Cortina Whiplash, the show-stealing Celtic fusion outfit Haggis and Bong (bagpipes and all), and Joburg rockers The Shadowclub performing on the Grant Erskine Marquee stage.

Also on the bill are Prime Circle, melodic rockers Plush, the wildly popular Cape Town dance trio Goodluck, and a rare solo set by acclaimed singer/songwriter Ard Matthews. Add to that Straatligkinders – the multi-award winning rock powerhouse from Potchefstroom, as well as Indie pop sensations New Holland, ska-punk veterans Hog Hoggidy Hog and fellow Capetonian skankers, Captain Stu.

A must-see is one of Splashy’s favourite sons, world-renowned folk guitarist Syd Kitchen, who was honoured last year for performing at every Splashy since the fest’s inception in 1990. In contrast, Afrikaans comedic rapper Jack Parow, the moustached godfather of zef from Bellville in the Cape whose hit single ‘Cooler as Ekke’ has taken YouTube by storm, will be making his much-anticipated Splashy debut.

Also hailing from Bellville and pushing the boundaries of Afrikaans music to new limits are the notorious Fokofpolisiekar and electro-rock outfit Die Heuwels Fantasties, both of which are sure to make their mark on this year’s festival.

For fans of African-influenced roots music, there is plenty on offer as revered Jozi reggae-rock stalwarts Tidal Waves stir it up, and Capetonians Hot Water bring their funky, bluesy Afro-rock and a dynamic stage show. Zululand’s David Jenkins plays a fusion of maskandi and bluegrass, while Bongeziwe and The Fridge offers urban folk music diversely influenced by soul, hip hop and mbaqanga. Splashy also presents the Underberg Community Showcase, featuring local choirs and dancers from the Kwa Sani area. Durban’s Tree Houses On The Sea (T.H.O.T.S.) will be making an appearance with their engaging experimental hip hop, as will Spitmunky with their fresh electronic rap.

For those who love a bit of blues in their rock, get ready: PE’s Jack Rabbit Slims, Redhand Blues Band, the Albert Frost Trio and Dan Patlansky will be on hand with some smoking blues to get you grooving. There won’t be any rest for the wicked though, because Southern Gypsey Queen, one of the hardest-working bands in the country, will also be treating the audience to their signature style of rock.

An exciting development at this year’s festival is the expansion of the second stage, dubbed the Splashy Fen Stage, which will now also be covered with a marquee and offer more space for bands and fans. In addition to hosting a selection of musicians’ clubs from around the country during the day, the evenings will offer a blistering line-up that includes funk ‘n soul monsters Voodoo Child, Catlike Thieves and California-based rock outfit, Horse the Band, performing on Sunday, 4 April as part of their upcoming ‘Reigns in Africa’ tour.

Other bands to watch out for are No One’s Arc, with their distinctive brass-infused sound, as well as Holly and The Woods, True To Adopted, The Meditators, Zoe, Sheep Down, The Sick Leaves and Newtown, a seven-piece performing their own unique brand of ‘Jozi Soul’.

Held on a farm near Underberg in KZN, Splashy Fen is geared up to present one of its strongest and most diverse line-ups to date. In addition to awesome music, a wide variety of food and drink outlets, arts and crafts, and a range of outdoor activities for the whole family, it will also feature an Eco Village powered by the elements – all in the midst of the breathtaking natural beauty which makes Splashy Fen so unique.

Tickets cost R425 at Computicket and selected Game stores or R550 at the gate. The price includes camping for the entire festival.