The 2025 edition of the Splashy Fen Music Festival has officially come to a close—and by all accounts, it was the most magical one yet. From Thursday, 17 April to Sunday, 20 April, 8,000 music lovers gathered in the breathtaking Southern Drakensberg to experience four sun-drenched days of music, community, and celebration.
Sunshine, Smiles, and a Perfect Start
After a few days of pre-festival rain, the clouds parted just in time. Sunshine poured over the scenic Splashy Fen farm as festival-goers arrived, setting a joyful tone for what would become an unforgettable Easter weekend.
By Thursday evening, over 5,500 happy campers had already claimed their spots, and the festival reached full capacity before the gates even opened. The festivities were officially opened by Cllr. T.N. Jojozi, Deputy Mayor of the Harry Gwala District Municipality, on behalf of the Harry Gwala Development Agency.
Thursday night kicked off with a wave of vibrant live performances, launching the festival on a high note.
A Line-up to Remember
Friday and Saturday delivered an incredible showcase of local and international talent across multiple stages. South African favourites like Ard Matthews, Hot Water, Veranda Panda, and Prime Circle lit up the stage, while international guests including the UK’s Youngr, a surprise set from Casey Lowery, Ireland’s Darren Kiely, and Canada’s Neon Dreams took the energy to the next level.
Saturday night was nothing short of legendary. Mafikizolo had thousands dancing under the stars, and GoodLuck wrapped up the night with a high-energy set that left the crowd buzzing.
More Than Just the Music
Beyond the stages, the full Splashy experience came alive. Guests enjoyed everything from sunrise yoga and trail runs to live art, craft workshops, and a bustling Kids Zone filled with activities for the whole family. The always-popular Splashy Parade on Saturday afternoon featured stilt-walkers, fire breathers, whimsical creatures, and more—creating a truly magical atmosphere.
At the Corona River Stage, festival-goers soaked up mellow sounds by the water, while the craft market and food court served up everything from artisanal goods to gourmet treats.
Easter Sunday: Joy, Tradition, and Unforgettable Moments
Easter Sunday brought even more heart to the experience. The morning began with a peaceful Treehouse Stage service hosted by Red Frogs SA, followed by a delightful Easter egg hunt for the little ones—complete with games and a visit from the Easter Bunny herself.
Later in the day, fans gathered for the beloved Legends of the Fen showcase at the Acoustic Stage, featuring iconic acts like Cinema and Perez. It was a heartfelt reminder of Splashy Fen’s special place in South African music culture.
As the sun set behind the Drakensberg mountains, one final round of performances brought the weekend to a powerful close.
A Festival to Remember
“Our legs are sore, our voices are gone, but our hearts? FULL,” read a post from Splashy Fen’s official page the following morning. “Shoutout to every artist who brought the fire at Main Stage last night, and every fan who screamed every word. What a way to end #Splashy2025!”
With four full days of world-class performances, community spirit, and outdoor adventure, Splashy Fen 2025 has officially secured its place as the best edition yet.
Don’t miss out on the next one! For updates on 2026 tickets, line-ups, and more, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or follow @splashyfenfest on Instagram and Facebook.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
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Want to discover fresh music? Follow our editor's 2025 playlist on Spotify or YouTube Music. These playlists are updated regularly.
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