SA: Splashy Fen announces drive-in concept for live events

The outdoor venues, which will display large LED screens, will allow attendees to listen to live music, movies and comedy from their cars. The sound will be broadcast on a FM radio frequency.

The venues will accommodate up to 250 vehicles and can be booked for church gatherings and other functions such as educational productions, weddings and funerals.

Splashy Fen's organisers have earmarked three locations including Hillcrest, Durban and Umhlanga and will ensure that the productions will be safe and compliant with COVID-19 regulations.

The organisers are working with the government and hope to roll out the concept soon.

“Right now, there is a need for innovative and creative thinking in our industry and we’ve been working around the clock to create feasible new outlets for fans, artists and workers within the entertainment field,” Impi Concept Events’ Stu Berry said. “We are extremely excited to be launching Parkflix, in association with Splashy Fen, and working closely with the government to get the concept up and running as soon as we can.

“We have already met with the government and are all aligned in terms of this new potential offering. Together we are all very excited to launch this as a concept that meets all of the requirements and regulations pertaining to each of the lockdown levels being implemented. We share a common goal of bringing entertainment to the people of Ethekwini [Durban] as soon as possible.”

The 31st edition of the annual Splashy Fen festival, which was scheduled to start on 9 April, will now take place from 23 to 27 September.

The new drive-in concept, which has recently gained traction around the world in countries like Denmark and South Korea, could provide an alternative way for fans to attend live events while social distancing restrictions are enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those interested in booking a Parkflix venue can email [email protected].