#Bloemfest2019 – ‘It was epic’

The banks of Bloemveld Dam were alive with entertainment on Saturday afternoon as music fans flocked to #Bloemfest2019 and they were certainly not disappointed. Scintillating talent from near and far lit up the stage for an absolutely phenomenal show in aid of Vryheid SPCA. If you missed this year's Bloemfest music festival, we actually feel bad for you...

March 13, 2019

Elaine Rodway 2 minutes read

Ard Matthews points out the names of his beloved dogs, tattooed on his chest, in reference to his respect for the cause that the proceeds of Bloemfest 2019 are in aid of, the Vryheid SPCA.

SAY what you will about Vryheid music fans, but they certainly know how to rock and, if you were on the banks of Bloemveld Dam last Saturday, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

Following the success of last year’s magnificent Bloemfest music festival, event organiser, Khalia Schmitting, who put together the festivals for both 2018 and 2019 in order to raise funds for Vryheid SPCA, opted to go even bigger and better this year.

Also read: #Bloemfest to make musical history in Vryheid

Also read: PHOTO GALLERY: Bloemfest 2018 a massive success

Pulling in acts from around the country, as well as staying true to Vryheid’s very own musical talent and including local bands, Schmitting went all out to put together a scintillating line up of phenomenal South African artists to fill the stage at Vryheid Boating Club for Bloemfest 2019.

If you missed it, you really missed out…

Almur Marais impressed the crowd with his raspy vocals at Bloemfest 2019.

Juan Jansen followed Almur Marais at Bloemfest 2019 with a spectacular performance, including a timeless Pink Floyd cover that really got the crowd going.

With incredible sound, provided by Kingston Sound Crew and the astounding line up, the crowd who supported this event certainly got their money’s worth and were blown away by Bloemfest 2019.

Jacques Mouton gave a brilliant performance at Bloemfest 2019.

The exquisite Bianca Blanc gave a soulfully superb performance at Bloemfest 2019.

“I’d like to thank the people who did come and support this special event,” says Khalia Schmitting. “You guys were an awesome crowd and the bands thoroughly enjoyed your amazing spirit.”

Frontman for Black Wiskey, Phillip ‘Dupie’ Taylor, about to launch himself into the crowd at Bloemfest 2019.

Black Wiskey’s Phillip ‘Dupie’ Taylor crowdsurfs.

Devin Aspden drinks beer from a shoe, cheered on by Black Wiskey frontman, Phillip ‘Dupie’ Taylor.

“Unfortunately,” she adds, “when it comes to ticket sales, there was just not enough to make a profit for the SPCA. The costs weren’t even covered. Thankfully,” she explains, “there is something to donate to SPCA from Battlefields Brewery, who kindly donated R526 to the SPCA from their profits at Bloemfest. We also raffled a guitar, sponsored by Music Mecca, which brought in R3 000. Those proceeds will also go to Vryheid SPCA.”

Check out the original Instagram post here…

Also read: Fears mount over Vryheid SPCA’s imminent financial collapse

Also read: #vryheidspcafooddrive still underway

An audience member captures the moment on his cellphone.

Legendary South African musician and lyrical genius, Ard Matthews.

“But, despite this,” she continues, “I will do more in the future because Vryheid needs events like this. I am setting up a fantastic Bloemfest committee and we will make the next one even bigger,” she promises. “Let’s enjoy things like this as a community, enjoy the South African talent right on your door step.”

MixFM DJ, the fantastic Carolyn ‘Caz’ Cronje, who manages The Color Blew.

“I want to thank all the bands, Almur Marais, Juan Jansen, Jacques Mouton, Bianca Blanc, Black Wiskey, the Ard Matthews Band, The Color Blew and Bridge6. Without your incredible talent, none of this would be possible. The lodges and B&Bs also came together to sponsor accommodation for all the bands. Natal Plumbers and Builders as well as the Scannell family contributed greatly in the setting up and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart, along with all of the other sponsors who helped and played a part in Bloemfest 2019.”