Nelson Mandela Bay’s beloved Splash Festival made a resounding return this past Easter weekend, drawing more than 200 000 attendees to the city’s vibrant beachfront.
Widely hailed as one of the most successful editions in recent years, the 2025 festival offered four days of world-class entertainment, family fun, and community spirit while delivering a significant economic boost for the region’s tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors.
“This year’s Splash Festival has been a shining example of what makes Nelson Mandela Bay such a special place,” said municipal spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya. “The festival created an atmosphere of joy and connection, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate the best of our city while supporting local businesses and artists.”
Early estimates indicate a major economic impact, with both formal and informal traders benefiting from the influx of visitors. Accommodation establishments were fully booked, and the beachfront became a hub of activity, spurring excitement and prosperity throughout the long weekend.
The festival was also notable for being completely crime-free, thanks to meticulous planning and collaboration between law enforcement agencies, security personnel, municipal teams, and community safety structures.
“Providing a safe, family-friendly environment was central to the event’s success,” added Soyaya. Attendees were treated to an exciting programme of events and activities, including live music performances on four main stages. Headlining entertainers such as Sun-El Musician and Mango Groove delighted crowds, with Mango Groove’s Sunday evening performance leaving the audience on a high note.
Food enthusiasts gathered at the Spar ‘We’re for flavours’ tent, where acclaimed chefs, Pete Goffe-Wood and Justine Drake, showcased their culinary expertise during dynamic live demonstrations. Sports fans enjoyed the Galaxy Bingo Beach Arena, which hosted five-a-side soccer and beach volleyball tournaments throughout the weekend.
The festival’s family-friendly appeal shone through with attractions such as the Fun4u Fun Fair, and the popular Spar Easter Egg Treasure Hunt, bringing smiles to both young and old. Comedy lovers had the chance to enjoy standout performances, including a laugh-out-loud set by Stuart Taylor.
The creative energy of Nelson Mandela Bay was on full display, with 40 performance slots dedicated to local artists, ensuring the city’s emerging talent had a platform to shine. Other attractions included sandcastle-building competitions, street art demonstrations, drumming circles, and children’s art workshops, making the festival an inspiring and colourful experience for all ages.
Early risers also enjoyed the beachfront Secret Sunrise Party – a unique dance and mindfulness event that set a festive tone for the weekend. Visitors explored bustling craft markets, gourmet food trucks, and lifestyle pop-ups while soaking in an atmosphere of celebration and connection.
“While the festival ran smoothly overall, the metro managed to swiftly address an isolated sewage spill near the precinct. Municipal teams acted quickly to contain the issue, with minimal disruption to the event. Clear communication ensured public confidence remained high, and festivalgoers continued to enjoy the weekend without concerns for safety or health,” Soyaya boasted.
Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, praised the festival, saying, “We are incredibly proud of what the 2025 Splash Festival has achieved. I want to sincerely thank the thousands of residents and visitors who came out to support it, the hardworking organisers and City teams, and the incredible performers – including Sun-El Musician, Mango Groove, and our local artists – who made this event truly special. This was more than a festival; it was a celebration of unity, culture, and the spirit of Nelson Mandela Bay.”
