Splashy Fen
Where: Underberg
When: April
Website: www.splashyfen.co.za
The Splashy Fen music festival has attracted thousands of people to a farm near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal since 1989. In early days the focus was folk, light rock and black music styles such as mbaqanga and iscathamiya. This has now broadened to include mainstream and alternative rock and pop. The site has electricity, telephones, ablutions, market stalls, three stages, and medical and security personnel. There are great bed-and-breakfasts in nearby towns for those who believe music festivals can be enjoyed without mud.
Awesome Africa Music Festival
Where: Durban
When: September
Website: www.awesomeafricafestival.co.za
The Standard Bank Awesome Africa Music Festival, first held in 1999, takes place in Durban's Albert Park. It has three stages of non-stop music, with over 200 artists from more than 20 countries. The focus is on collaboration with musicians from Africa and beyond.
Southern Cross Music Festival
Where: Mooi River
When: September
Website: www.southerncrossmusic.co.za
Every September the Southern Cross Music Festival showcases South African music in a three-day event in Hidden Valley on the banks of KwaZulu-Natal's beautiful Mooi River. First held in 1998, the festival donates part of its proceeds to charity. In addition to music, there's fishing, swimming, white water rafting, abseiling, hikes, walks, mountain biking and 4x4 courses. The farm caters for 6 000 festival-goers.
White Mountain Folk Festival
Where: Estcourt
When: September
Website: www.whitemountain.co.za
The White Mountain Folk Festival in the Central Drakensberg mountain range offers great music in an awesome
setting for three days in September. Featuring acoustic performances by some of the South Africa's top folk musicians, the festival is held at White Mountain Lodge in the foothills of the Giant's Castle Nature Reserve. Camping in a beautiful site at the edge of a dam is free, with brand new hot shower units at the ready plus lots of "executive" loos. There's also a variety of food stalls, and a beer market offering naturally brewed local ales and lagers.
Nottingham Road Pink Festival
Where: Nottingham Road
When: November
Website: www.pinkfestival.co.za
In late November the picturesque Midlands town of Nottingham Road is painted pink. A weekend of extravagant music, song and dance, the new
Pink Festival includes entertainment by some of South Africa's top performers, divine cabaret in the Cattle Arena, and fine music in the Farmers Hall. The festival also offers children's shows, horse rides, hiking trails and a visual feast of arts and crafts.
Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival
Where: Ballito
When: November
Website: www.umdwebo.co.za
The Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival celebrates the better things in life - Umdwebo is isiZulu for "to create art" or "to underline something beautiful". Held in and around Ballito on KwaDukuza’s picturesque north coast in November, the six-day event features fine dining, elegant black-tie affairs, art and photographic exhibitions, opera, classical music and
more.
- Do you have a festival we've neglected to mention? E-mail mary@bigmedia.co.za.
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