The much-anticipated Up The Creek Music Festival is set to return in 2025 with a stellar line-up, new ownership and an exciting international twist, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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The festival, which has become a staple of South Africa’s music scene, will take place from 6 to 9 February 2025 at the iconic Breede River farm, just outside Swellendam in the Western Cape.
This year marks a significant milestone as Jeremy Loops and Damon Forbes, both well-established figures in the South African entertainment and live event industries, officially take over ownership of the festival.
After joining forces with the Up The Creek team in 2023, Loops and Forbes are now taking the reins as full festival owners. Their vision is to continue building on the festival’s legacy, infusing it with fresh ideas, international appeal and more local talent than ever before.
Since its humble beginnings in 1990, Up The Creek has been known for its intimate vibe, attracting music lovers from across the country. Despite its growing popularity, the festival remains capped at 3 000 attendees to maintain its unique, close-knit atmosphere.
Last year, Up The Creek celebrated a sold-out event with over 2 500 festival-goers, making it the second-largest gathering in its history.
Phase 1 line-up announced
The excitement around the festival’s return is already palpable, especially with the announcement of its Phase 1 line-up. Internationally, the festival will feature Hollow Coves, an indie folk duo from Brisbane, Australia. Known for their ethereal acoustic melodies and harmonious vocals, the group blends earthy folk sounds with indie influences, drawing comparisons to artists like Angus & Julia Stone and Ben Howard.
On the local front, Francois Van Coke, Matthew Mole, The Black Cat Bones, Albert Frost and Lucy Kruger and The Lost Boys are among the standout South African artists set to perform. Other acts include Droomsindroom, Ben Dey, Die Piesangskille, Murray, Freddy L and Luukhanyo & The Hii Rollers. This diverse mix promises to deliver an unforgettable four-day celebration of music, community and culture.
Up The Creek’s 2025 edition has already proven to be a hot ticket. Early Bird tickets for the festival, which went on sale on 23 August, sold out in just one hour, leaving festival-goers eager for more. With less than six months to go until the event, Full Weekend Passes are now available, starting at R1 795 (excluding ticket fees), while Weekend Passes for the Friday to Sunday portion are priced at R1 595.
The festival will be limited to just 3 000 attendees, ensuring that the vibe remains intimate and accessible for all festival-goers. This year’s theme promises to offer the perfect mix of great music, excellent food, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
Up The Creek is renowned for its ‘lekker’ festival spirit, where long queues are replaced by short waits, and the focus is always on the music and the people. The festival’s picturesque riverside setting, alongside a strong community of loyal fans, has built Up The Creek into one of South Africa’s most beloved outdoor music festivals.
And now, with Loops and Forbes at the helm, the event is set to enter an exciting new chapter, blending the best of local and international talent with the same intimate experience that festival-goers have come to love.
The Phase 2 artist lineup is sure to have Creekers excited and ready to party as well– featuring an amazing mix of fresh faces and beloved regulars for 2025: Karen Zoid, Hot Water, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Desmond & The Tutus, Phfat, Grassy Spark, Jackal & The Wind, Riaan Smit, Dirty Disco Records, Dave Ferguson, Keanan Eksteen, and Black Mamba Man.
Details:
- Dates: 6-9 February 2025
- Location: Breede River, Swellendam, Western Cape
- Cost: Full Weekend Pass (6th-9th Feb 2025): R1 795; Weekend Pass (7th-9th Feb 2025): R1 595
- Ticket availability: Phase 1 tickets now available; Early Bird tickets sold out in 1 hour
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Picture: Supplied
