Uplands near White River is a co-educational private school consisting of a Preparatory School founded in 1928 and a College that was founded 12 years ago. The schools attract pupils predominantly from the Lowveld but also Gauteng, the neighbouring countries and even as far afield as England and America. It also has an Institute for Outreach & Environmental Education.

To raise funds for both the schools and the Institute, the Uplands Festival staged Johnny Clegg in 2003 along with a beer marquee and numerous food stalls. Two shows with a capacity of 800 people each were staged in one evening. Both shows were a sell-out and another 700 people were on campus to enjoy the beer marquee, food halls and the festive ambience.

Following this success, in 2004 the Uplands Festival brought Mango Groove to White River along with the Independent Schools Rugby Festival. Again there were two shows with a capacity of 1000 people each and approximately 800 tickets were sold for each. About 5000 people were on the campus to enjoy the jazz music, restaurants and good company.

Uplands decided to start a “mini-festival” along the lines of the Grahamstown Festival. After receiving wonderful support from the community and sponsors, the Uplands Festival has become a highlight of the Lowveld calendar and the quality of the productions, art and food attracts people from far and wide.