With the new year comes the excitement of festivals to look forward to. With all good things, they are not only worth waiting for, but worth researching to ensure you don’t miss the best bands and locations. Where ever you are in the world – check out the festival circuit when booking your next trip and make the most of early bird entrance and cheap transport deals.

In particular, don’t forget to suss the SA festival scene! Not only is SA music fabulous, but you’re almost guaranteed incredible sunshine and most SA festivals are usually in the surrounds of stunning scenery.
SA PROMO gives a few different SA festivals to consider:

Acoustic and rock
Splashy Fen is celebrating its 21st birthday, from 1-5 April, in its usual spot of the Underberg in the gorgeous southern Drakensberg! As the longest running festival in SA, this is quite something and Syd Kitchen, one of the original performers, will be at this year’s festival too. Fokofpolisiekar and Hot Water also confirmed, full line up to be announced soon. Splashy has a natural amphitheatre, winding river, lots of fields for camping, an abundance of food stalls, arts and crafts and more.
www.splashyfen.co.za

Alternative and metal
Ramfest, now in its fourth year in the Western Cape, is taking place in Worcester, 26-28 February, for alternative and metal moshing festival goers. There is a phenomenal line up, including international acts and top SA acts as well as performances by much loved bands that have not performed in SA for a while BOO!, Lark and The Narrow. And there is a Metal 4 Africa stage for the die hard fans. For the first time, Ramfest is also coming to Johannesburg, 6 March at Emmerentia Dam.
www.ramfest.co.za

Art and environment
Afrika Burn is an art festival inspired by the international Burning Man festival. It is a 100% participant created and sponsored event, an experiment in temporary community building. Taking place 22-27 April in the Karoo, it is a festival like no other and the theme for 2010 is ‘Dream’. Experience it.
www.afrikaburns.com

Jazz and world music
The 11th Cape Town International Jazz Festival takes place at the Cape Town Convention Centre, 3-4 April, with 40 African and international acts over two days and five stages.
www.capetownjazzfest.com