Splashy Fen Music Festival marks 35th edition in Southern Drakensberg

The festival, which has been held annually for more than three decades, is expected to draw thousands of attendees to the mountainous region. This year’s programme features a line-up of more than 300 artists performing across six stages, alongside food vendors, family-friendly activities and expanded facilities.

Headline acts on the main stage include GoodLuck, GoldFish and Jeremy Loops, scheduled to perform on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.

GoldFish are expected to debut a full band headline performance in South Africa at the festival. “We’re beyond excited to bring this show to Splashy for the very first time,” members Dom and Dave said. “Splashy Fen is a big part of where our journey began…it’s been 17 years since we last played here, and returning with a show on this scale feels incredibly special.”

They added: “It’s the most immersive version of our music we’ve ever put on stage, and there’s no better place to unleash it than at Splashy.”

The broader line-up includes local and international acts such as Ndlovu Youth Choir, Will Linley, Billy Raffoul, Jack and the Weatherman, Matthew Mole and Jesse Clegg, among others.

In addition to live performances, the festival programme includes over 30 food stalls and artisan vendors, wellness activities such as yoga and trail runs, and designated family areas. Accommodation options range from campsites to glamping facilities.

A separate programme at the Electric Boma stage will feature a women-led DJ line-up on the Friday evening, highlighting performers in electronic music.

Organisers indicated that demand for tickets has increased following a sold-out 2025 edition, with limited availability remaining ahead of the 2026 event.

Since its inception, the Splashy Fen Music Festival has been a fixture on South Africa’s live music calendar, contributing to the country’s festival culture and attracting both local and international audiences.