The final day of the 2018 Splashy Fen Music Festival saw thousands head down to enjoy an afternoon of sunshine and great entertainment at the Corona River Stage. Josh Wantie and Monark ended off the sunshine sessions just in time for a typical Underberg rain storm.
After an hour of rain, Splashy Fenners resurfaced from under the protection of tents and marquees, kitted with gumboots and smiles and made their way to the Main Stage area for an amazing line-up and other festival festivities.
International act The Pierce Brothers were definitely a festival favourite as they performed on the Budweiser Main Stage on Sunday evening. After a very successful surprise set on Saturday down by the river, campers got a taste of what was to come from the twin brothers from Australia, ensuring a jam-packed crowd for one of the festival’s three international acts.
The final day line-up included acts like Don Clarke and Dicky Roberts, Shannon Connelly, 4AM, Stone Jets, Devin Harmer, Ard Matthews, Matthew Mole, The Pierce Brothers, Desmond and the Tutus and GoodLuck who ended the Splashy Fen Main Stage show for 2018 with a bang. Fireworks on stage were a fitting finale.
New School Productions, the team who put on the Red Square Electric Boma at this year’s Splashy Fen, were also excited to be a part of South Africa’s friendliest festival. “We’ve personally enjoyed the festival as attendees, so we knew we had to step it up in coordinating the 2018 dance area,” said co-owner Ayanda Ngidi. “There was a lot of hype with the line-up we curated, and the vibe was electric. There was a distinct energy from day one right through to the closing set of the festival with Chunda Munki. The likes of Ryan Murgatroyd, PH Fat, I Am Rouge, Jayy Jabs and Huckleberry were right up there with the National headliners.”
“The best part for us was seeing such a diverse age group come and party at our stage. Young kids came to dance with their parents. We’ve never seen anything like it and it’s why we are so excited to be a part of and grow with Splashy Fen.”
Antony Cox from Pietermaritzburg, has been coming to the festival for 24 years. He says that this Splashy Fen was his best yet. “Everything is so organised, and efficient. It feels like the happiness has been brought back to Splashy.”
Performers added a touch of entertainment to all corners of Splashy Fen with belly dancing, drumming sessions, fire-breathing displays, bonfire parties and so much more. Even the Splashy fans added their magic to the festival, with everyday people dressing up in beautiful and outrageous costumes, just because they could. That is what makes Splashy Fen an all-encompassing, unique experience that has earned it the title of South Africa friendliest festival. One that event organisers, and all the fans who make it that way, can be proud of.
The organisers left a special message for the festival goers on their Facebook page.
“As you reflect over the coming days, concentrate on engraving the memories of a special 4 days on a Southern Drakensberg farm called Splashy Fen. A festival where the exchange rate, politics, news, conflict & judgement are forgotten, but instead family, friends, happiness and consciousness are embraced. A festival that brought 7 000 South Africans from all walks of life together. Thank you Splashy Fen. You have fulfilled our souls & we hope we have managed to fulfil yours. Until 2019… STAY HUMAN. Stu & Fuzz”
