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...