Playing the ‘Air Guitar' started out as an embarrassing little secret shared only with one's stereo system and a bedroom mirror: now there are World Championships. What's more, entire groups of deranged-looking pretenders known as 'Wannabe-Stars' are these days prancing about on international stages, thrashing wildly at their invisible instruments!

Always in step with global trends, Splashy Fen 2005 will be holding a Prize Championship for both categories - 'Air Guitar' and 'Wannabe-Stars' - and all that's required is to be there with the CD you want to mime to and register at the Music Inc Free Stage. No musical ability but loads of attitude? Here's the chance of a lifetime! Audience reaction will assist in the judges' decision-making, so be sure to dress the part, too - every bit helps.

There's also an opportunity on the Music Inc Free Stage for unsigned, non-pro lead guitarists who can actually play - a contest which will see the winner walk off with a Yamaha RGX121 electric plus Crate GT100 amp, valued at R6,500.00 courtesy of the sponsors. Be prepared to walk on stage and play a two-minute solo with the equipment provided and no rehearsal time.

Many of Splashy's headlining acts began their performing days on the Free Stage, which festival General Manager, Pedro Carlo, describes as the "heart and soul" of this ever-popular gathering. Bands and solo artists who've not yet made it on to the main roster are urged to "come and play" - Music Inc is providing a full back-line and professional sound engineers will be on hand to make sure that 'garage' stars-of-tomorrow have never been heard to better effect.

Festival organisers will 'promote' Free Stage crowd-pleasers to a Marquee slot on the final evening, plus invite them to make a 'formal' appearance at Splashy 2006 - good enough reasons to rehearse hard now and arrive early at Easter!

Kody Chetty of Music Inc says that his recently-opened, first-in-the-world Yamaha Emporium/Recording Studio/Music College/Live Venue complex - at The Square on La Lucia Ridge - is "proud to be associated with Splashy Fen, and looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship...in particular helping young musicians attain their dreams".

For rules and other 'fine print' regarding the competitions, please visit our easy-to-use www.splashyfen.co.za where you'll also find a fascinating account - in words and pictures - of the history and current activities of South Africa's best-loved music festival. See you at Splashy Fen 2005!

For more info contact Kody on 031 566 3920