Up the Creek is not a youngsters rave, it’s a music festival for everyone who remembers what a good party is all about regardless of age – children are welcome. It does require you to camp (unless you have pre-booked a cabin or luxury tent) and  to love music of all genres since a variety of South Africa’s top bands play all day and most of the night for four days, along with comedians to keep you smiling.

A favourite of Cape Town’s music festival goers, Up the Creek has been running for years and has a dedicated following of people who come to chill out on the banks of the Breede River just outside Swellendam. It is about kicking loose and engaging with a genuinely heart-warming group of people.

What you get: The main stage, the river stage and all-night bar stage with only one stage running at a time so you won’t miss any of the acts. There are food vendors, coffee maestros, stalls and bars at reasonable prices; medical tent and trained personnel and lifeguards on duty on the banks of the Breede River. 

Bos ‘Anything That Floats’ Competition: Last year saw some incredible floating devices which they hope have inspired more people to come with innovative floating creations. The incentives include prizes for the Best Looking Float, the Float With The Mostest and the Most Romantic Float.

Peruse the Up the Creek website for an invaluable list of what to bring (e.g. your friends and a good attitude) and what not to bring (e.g. firearms and pets). Tickets are very reasonable and are on sale via the Up the Creek Facebook page or TicketBreak website.

• Thursday – Sunday: R575
• Friday – Sunday: R475
• Saturday – Sunday: R375
• Sunday: R150
• Kids under 13: Free

Who’s going?