It’s not often that one can not only have a weekend away with one’s friends, but also experience two days of superb South African music and catch up with the latest and wildest trends in extreme sport.
This package deal is what makes the yearly Woodstock festival in Gauteng worth the drive. And it’s not far to go, either; the festival has moved again and this year takes place at Roos se Oord at Hartebeespoort Dam, which boasts 2km of riverside camping and plenty of opportunities for water sports. It runs from September 30 to October 2.
Woodstock attracts a far younger crowd than, say, Oppikoppi, but if one doesn’t mind the odd roaming pack of boisterous teenagers, there is plenty to savour.
Just the music line-up this year makes the R235 ticket worth the money. Festival-goers will be treated to live music on three stages: the mainstream stage for successful acts, the Blunt stage for beats of the harder kind and bands on the “underground scene”, and a third stage for metalheads and up-and-coming bands. Have a look at the informative Woodstock site for a complete list as well as times of performances. The site even has a list of bed and breakfasts and other accommodation options in the region for those who don’t deal well with sleeping under a canvas roof.
The line-up is a healthy mix of old and new: fans will doubtlessly revel in the sound of bands such as Cutting Jade, Prime Circle, Fuzigish, Mean Mr Mustard, One80, Tait, The Finkelstiens, Wonderboom, Zen Arcade and The Narrow, but several newer acts will also have the opportunity to try out their moves on a big stage.
Adding excitement is the adrenaline-charged motocross, BMX, skating, jet-skiing and wakeboarding displays and events (and apparently bungee, too, for the brave).
Take note: though the festival runs on Friday and Saturday, the venue opens on Thursday already for those eager to secure prime camping spots (that is, either next to the stage or as far away from the noise as possible, of course).
Book at Computicket or at Musica stores