I have been lucky enough to be intricately involved in the Splashy Fen festival for the past nine years now. As the creator of the décor and aesthetics of the Treehouse Stage, I have had the opportunity to watch this festival evolve from the inside out, and this year was, I think, the best we have ever had (a common consensus from all involved, including organisers and attendees).

This was the first Splashy Fen in recent memory to have had a full festival of sunshine, and while Stu Berry raised a valid point that rain brings its own vibe and ambiance, I for one did not miss my usually soggy socks much (not to mention how easy is was on my outdoor décor and lighting installations this year round.)

The acts at the festival were largely pulled from South Africa, with a few internationals sprinkled into the otherwise proudly SA lineup. Darren Kiely, Youngr, Neon Dreams and Casey Lowrey (as well as a few originally SA exports such as Sonofold) were brought to the Splashy Fen stage and were all incredible acts. Our local artists did not disappoint, pulling out all the stops to put on a truly world-class show. Each act proves that South African artists can stand up proudly at an international standard show level. Wow, they shone bright.

Stu mentioned to me afterwards that each year he does something he calls ‘hugging the cactus’ (which means doing something that a little uncomfortable to push the boundary and hopefully grow the festival), this year it was booking Mafikizolo, an act that he was uncertain would connect with the musical tastes of the regular Splashy Fenners… he needn’t have been concerned, they were incredible, and drew a full crowd at a sold out Splashy Fen, singing along with their Xhosa and Zulu lyrics.

With six stages, there is something for everyone’s musical taste at this festival, as well as family friendly activities such as yoga, a trail run, didgeridoo and drumming workshops, hula hoop and poi workshops and a public canvas (under the direction of the amazing Art Go Round team) where anyone old and young can join in and paint. As well as a Kids Zone (puppetry, face painting and craft creation to keep every little heart happy). There is also a thriving market, with abundant food stalls catering to everyone’s tastes. For those who want a more tailored festival experience, Glamping in the Harambe village offers luxury and a carefree festival experience where all your needs are taken care of; you simply show up and enjoy the show.

I can proudly say that as I move into my tenth year as a member of the team that gets to put together the incredible festival each year, that Splashy Fen is only getting better. Stu, Fuzz and the crew of people that are involved in the many facets of this festival rise to the challenge each year, and make it better, each and every time. It’s the cleanest (you’d have to experience the ablutions to know they are cleaner than your own house may be, from start to finish), greenest (thanks largely to Cairly Bradford and her recycling crew-Waste Me Not) and most well supported family-friendly festival in our country, with music that is some of the best you can hear anywhere in the world.

I started a podcast this year, called The Diverse Creative, and used this opportunity to interview artists, crew and members of the public. The resounding comment from people I spoke to this year was that Splashy Fen is a place they come home to each year, to reset and rediscover who they are, and that they leave the festival more themselves, refreshed and ready to face life with an open heart and renewed energy for another year. What an amazing compliment!