PICTURE more than 100 electronic acts on a sun-kissed day in KZN and you’ve pretty much created a paradise in your mind.
All this can be expected at the Fun in the Sun Festival which, over the years, has become a highly anticipated music event on KZN’s events calendar. The three-day fest, which runs from Friday to Sunday, features a Main Stage specialising in dance and electronic music; Blossom Bay is house-orientated and on the Galaxy Stage, minimal meets techo with a dash of trance.
There’s also a killer line-up which is sure to keep festinos dancing all weekend. Some of the acts include Veranda Panda, Nightvision, Bhashkar, Ryan Stylz, Amigo and Dizruptkidd.
One of the organisers of the event, Matthew Ord-Hume, reveals the unique factor about the fest: “Fun in the Sun is a safe getaway outdoor camping music festival. The event hosts over 100 artists and DJs over three stages and is fully equipped with bars, some of Durban’s finest restaurants, clothing stores , toilets and showers, a police station, medic tent and charging stations as well as an over- 24s bar area and lounge, free of charge. It’s been around for many years and we feel it’s earned its place on the annual calendar.
“We’ve endured great as well as tough times, but have always tried our best to provide the public with the ultimate weekend away. The festival is one-of-a-kind in Durban and the fans have stayed loyal to us over the years. We grow from strength to strength each year.”
An interesting story about the fest is the manner in which its growth has surprised its organisers. The event started with just 30 friends at the dam in 2008 and since then has hosted about 4 500 to 5 000 guests.
So how do you keep things fresh and interesting?
“We are always trying to come up with new ideas and keep the festival-goers excited to see what each year brings. From the artists to the stage and sound production, we try our absolute best to leave them always wanting more.”
An important note about this event is that it isn’t open to under- 18s since there’s alcohol involved. Drinks are welcome, however alcohol is should be brought on to the premises in plastic containers as the fest is a glass-free event.
According to Ord-Hume, the only thing left to experience is a full weekend getaway with over 100 live acts and DJs at the Hazelmere Dam.
“Expect camping, braais, picnics, good food, great music and friendly people,” he adds.
• Fun in the Sun Festival, Friday to Sunday. Tickets are available at Computicket or Checkers stores nationwide. R420 for a full weekend pass, R250 for a day pass at the gate. For more information, see www.fitsfest.co.za.