Shiver and shake and rock ‘n roll

Near-freezing night-time temperatures were no deterrent for the thousands of music lovers who rocked at the Splashy Fen music festival near Underberg this weekend.

They came in their thousands – at least 8 000 by 2pm on Saturday – and ate, drank and were merry. But despite the numbers, festival organisers said there were no incidents reported and that everything had gone smoothly.

And while there was the typical happy-go-lucky mood around the campsites and entertainment tents, this year’s festival came with a tinge of sadness and lots of reminiscing. This was the first Splashy since regular and uber-popular artist Syd Kitchen’s death earlier this year.

On the main stage on Friday night, several artists paid tribute to him and during the time he was scheduled to perform, his hat was set up on stage on a chair as music videos played on a big screen. It was moving and a perfect send-off for a man whose presence at KwaZulu-Natal’s prime music festival was nothing short of legendary.

By late Saturday afternoon, dark clouds had gathered over the Drakensberg, threatening rain and even lower temperatures than the reported 3°C experienced on Friday.

But this was no deterrent. Not even close.

Splashy regular Wayne Barton said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. The weather has been great and the vibe has been excellent. The bandson Saturday night were absolutely brilliant, especially the La Els, City Bowl Mizers, Habit To and T.H.O.T.S.”

His girlfriend, Caryn Walker, added: “The facilities have been great as well. They are much better than last year and everything has just made me want to come back next year.”

Karen Zoid headlined in the Grant Erskine marquee, to rave reviews.

“Karen Zoid was really good on Saturday night. This is my sixth Splashy and while it’s a little quieter than last year, the atmosphere and performances have been excellent,” said Yagenderan Pillay.

He added that performances from Tony Cox, Madlala Kunene and the Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters – all festival regulars – were “outstanding”.

This year’s festival has several new elements which have proven popular. Among them is the Hooters Comedy Tent, which has had sold-out day and night-time performances. Comics from Durban, Joburg, Cape Town and Pretoria have had people rolling in the aisles.

Also new is a skateboard ramp, providing high-intensity, adrenalin-fuelled activities for the more energetic festival-goers. There are also several new food outlets and a “Tribal Village”, which has hosted drum circles. And, for the first time, tattooing is being done.

Splashy being Splashy, there have been bizarre elements – and not just people swimming in the freezing river.

While big yellow wigs are frequently spotted, a man and his whale attracted the most attention.

Matthew Reilly has been walking around with Shamoo, a large inflatable whale.

“I brought him along to swim with in the river, but he’s just kind of become my mascot, I guess,” Reilly said, as two young women asked to pose for pictures.

“It’s been awesome, amazing and completely off the hook. I haven’t had this much fun since the last Splashy, and the one before that, and the one before that. It’s been great.”

The Sharks versus Hurricanes Super 15 rugby match was shown on a big screen. This was, naturally, extremely popular.

matthew.savides@inl.co.za - Sunday Tribune