Included on the bill are: Vusi Mahlasela, Boo!, Karen Zoid, Ard Matthews, The Rudimentals, Valiant Swart, the Jack Mantis Band, Aquarian Quartet, Margaret's Daughter and Good Luck, the Cape Town electro-swing outfit.
Added to that are: Wrestlerish, Versus the Wolf, Isochronous, Holiday Murray, No One's Arc, Newtown, Peachy Keen, December Streets, T.H.O.T.S, Checked Zebra, Captain Stu, 7th Son, as well as the Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters from Pietermaritzburg - Splashy Fen's featured act honouree for 2011.
For blues fans, there's: Natasha Meister, the Redhand Blues Band, Joshua Grierson and The Town Criers, Boulevard Blues and Dan Patlansky.
This year, there will be a strong showing of Durban acts, among them: John Ellis, Red Light Stereo, City Bowl Mizers, The Otherwise, Manuvah to Land, Sibling Rivalry, The La Els, Catlike Thieves, Habit To (who'll be launching their brand new album at the festival), Madala Kunene, Shannon Connolly, Sheep Down, The Kickstands and many more.
Music clubs from around the country will be represented by more than 30 acoustic acts, such as: Celtis, Rooibaardt, Life of Riley, Meri Kenaz, Thomas Krane, Hannah Wildflower and Miles Sievwright. Three up-and-coming Durban school bands: New Hysteria, Toxic Candy and Black Math, will also be given a chance to shine when they kick the festival off on Thursday, April 21.
New at Splashy Fen this year is the Freestyle Tribal Village. Situated in a separate tree-shaded area, this colourful tipi village will be home to creators of authentic handicrafts, as well as live music and daily drum circles.
Also making its debut is the Hooters Comedy Tent, featuring a showcase of the hottest, funniest and most original stand-up comedians on the South African circuit. Set to deliver stand-up comedy at its best are the likes of Durban School of Comedy's Simmi Areff, Robby Collins, Glen Bo and Dusty Rich, plus Johannesburg's Alyn Adams, Cape Town's Martin Evans and UK comedian Martin Davis.
Also on offer are loads of fun outdoor activities for the whole family, an extensive craft market featuring over 50 stalls, a wide variety of food and drink outlets, as well as a separate family campsite and Kreef Hotel's tented accommodation.
Kids are welcome to join in the fun at the Children's Centre, which is open from 9am to 4pm each day. For no charge, children will be cared for and entertained with a variety of Easter art and craft activities, construction toys, DVDs, interactive drumming, movement education, storytelling and live shows. The centre also offers a childminding service from 7pm to 10pm, leaving parents free to watch the evening acts.
Tickets cost R500 at Computicket and selected Game stores. The price includes camping for the entire festival. For more information and the full programme, go to www.splashyfen.co.za or contact +27 (0)31 563 0824.
