Gwyl Pontardawe Festival 2008

Greetings from Mission Control!

I've had a bit of a telling off from unser webmeister for not keeping everyone up to speed on what's happening at Ponty this year, given that it's our big 30 and so kind of special an' all.

So mea culpa, sorry to all. But it's been somewhat frantic hereabouts these past few months as we try to out together a gig worthy of the occasion - and I think we're getting there very nicely.

Welcome, then, to what I hope you agree is going to be a party to remember.

First, let's have a look at what's new...
the first of those is that we will be making more use of the facilities IN the Leisure Centre this year, rather like we did in the olden days of the twentieth century. We've responded to the many grumbles we had, especially from traders, about the sound crossover from the New Music Stage, and this will be moved into the Leisure Centre theatre. Actually, it will increase the venue's capacity, which is good news, and our Ruth is putting together a great line-up of emerging young Welsh bands. Keep and eye on the website for details, which will be published as the confirmations come through.

We are also looking at putting some stuff into the sports hall, although quite what remains to be finalised. I'll keep you posted.

We're having to make a few changes to the site too. Last year's 'do' was the wettest anyone under the age of 120 can remember, and parts of the field are still unfit for use eight months on. The plan, therefore, is to try not to make things worse. Which means...

We're moving the fairground into the leisure centre car park
The food village will move across to where the fairground has been, next to the shower block by the main entrance, which we hope will make it more accessible.

The Dance Stage and the Bar are (more or less) changing places to make it more of a circular sort of thing, with everyone meeting in the middle. And we are looking to reserve the acounstic stage in the bar mainly for sessions, so that you musos can do your thing - it's something else we've been asked about, and we're hoping this will do the trick. It's what festivals are about, after all.

There's lots more news to come and I'll try and update you regularly - possibly even daily if I can. Trouble is, the phone keeps ringing...ooops there it goes again.

Speak soon...

Don't forget the Pontardae Local Market is held outside the Pontardawe Arts Centre on the first Friday of every month between 9am and 2pm. The dates of the next markets are:

4th Arpil
2nd May
6th June
4th July

Catch the Produce Market at, Swansea Waterfront Museum on the first Sunday of the month 10am - 3pm. Also at Wyevale Garden Centre, Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea EVERY TUESDAY 10am - 4pm and Ammanford 4th Thursday of the month 9am - 2pm

The local produce market is packed with fresh quality local produce. It is operated by Good Food Wales Ltd of Ystalyfera. Call 01639 849999 for more information.

Would you welcome a VIP Birthday Tent at the next Pontardawe Festival?

We were thinking of a quiet tent, small bar, no stage, nice seating, maybe some snacks, with the chance to meet the bands after they had been on stage for Q&A/Signings... A comfy more secure area with less hustle and bustle...

We have been mulling the idea over for some time, but can not quite strike on what we think would be the winning formulae...

Please let us know your thoughts by commenting below!

There is an exciting new season of folk and roots music in South Wales this year.

Starting at Pontardawe Arts Centre there are many concerts planned which I know you will love.

Celtish appear at the Pontardawe Arts Centre on the day of celebrations of Wales's patron saint of love, Santes Dwynwen, the 25th of January. And less than a week later on the 31st of January, Bellowhead make a welcome return!

View details of all events at Pontardawe Arts Centre at:

http://www.neath-porttalbot.gov.uk/wow/index.cfm?param_venue_id=1

Pontardawe Arts Centre is a part of Valley Roots, a collective of venues that host folk and roots music in the old industrial areas of South Wales. Venues include, Beaufort Theatre, Blackwood Miners' Institute, Borough Theatre, Coliseum Theatre, Muni Arts Centre, Ystradgynlais Welfare Hall, As well as Pontardawe Arts Centre.

Valley Roots have an exciting programme lined up for this new season right across all of its venues, it is well worth checking out. I am sure you can pick up a programme from any of the above venues. It is well worth joining and becoming a member if only to be kept informed about whats on and where!

I can not find a web site for Valley Roots, but you can hop to most South Wales folk venues from:

http://www.casbar.co.uk/Folk-Music-Venues-South-Wales.html

Even a little further away at St David's Hall, Cardiff, Roots Unearthed have an exciting programme lined up for this new season. View details at:

http://www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/English/whatson_roots.asp

And the work goes on...

It has been a busy time here in Festival towers since last August! It is surprising how much work there is to do after an event to clear up all the paperwork. We have also been busy talking to our friends and supporters, to analyse what worked and what didn't work, to see where we can improve.

The planning for this year's event started before last August, we had booked a few bands that much in advance for the party... and I hope that after tonight's festival meeting I will able to hint at a few names that might just happen to be on the Fujitsu main stage.

I also hope that I will be able to release some bargain tickets for sale this weekend!

Subscribe to our newsletter from the home page of our website www.ponty2008.com to be informed of those tickets.

Hope you have a great 2008 and I hope you can join us at Ponty 2008 the birthday party of the year!, Ed