Wow, we did it – we’ve kept the one and only Cadstock, our lush live music weekender, absolutely alive and kicking.
Thank you so, so much to all you beautiful Barrians, and those from beyond, who turned up, tuned in, and turned it on.
Saturdays fabulous #KeepCadstockAlive Benefit Gig raised a stunning £2441.15 from the terrific ticket sales, the riveting raffle, awesome Auction.
And big Barry hearts of every single one of the awesome Acts who gave their singing services, and playing prowess, fantastically free.
Black Jam Circus, The Stonehouse Collective, Second Chance, Falling from Grace and Ben Nicholas, you really do rock – in more ways than one.
Big shout out to Barry Island Sports and Social for their generosity too – managing the musical night gratis, and keeping those brilliant bands fed and watered.
Thanks to Scott Walters of SW Flooring, Dean Snooks, and The Selby Brothers, for the auction prizes, plus sponsors; Simon Baston from Loft Co, The Butterfly Collector’s Gareth Slattery, Jeremy Pimm Plumbing and Heating, Chelle Grant, KW Promotions, Butterflies Photography, Town Centre News, Lyndsay Ellis Funeral Directors, Pukka Productions PA Sarah Creasey, Mack Events, Eddie Close, and the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Special mention to the super Security Jake and Chris, and Stef from Pukka PA for the PA.
Grateful also to Nathan Spackman at Bro Radio, The Barry and District News, and The Glamorgan Gem. Thanks to The Barry Music Shop, and ‘Boy About Town’ Gareth Slattery (again!) for selling the tickets.
Last but by no means least, the biggest round of applause to Karl Webb for pulling it all together, and Mr Cadstock himself, Jonathan Greatrex, who has run the open and inclusive not for profit Weekender for over a decade.
We are definitely better together Barry, with your second to none support, keeping Cadstock’s community heart beating bigger than ever.
Thanks to you, our well-loved weekender is now good to go this year. And stays fabulously free, fantastically family friendly, and open to absolutely all.
Cadstock campaigners and supporters, please give yourselves a clap and take a bow – you definitely deserve it.
For me, this latest town triumph, once again, proves that our rallying residents totally get that community events are the backbone of Barry.
And are always so solidly supported in whatever way we can to help our hometown to stay community-focused and cohesive.
Say what you like about our beautiful birthplace, and I know many that do, truth be told. But one thing we have certainly got is a cracking community spirit that never fails to shine when our town needs it most.
Barry, always has, and always will, look after its own.
Oh my Christ, we also know how to Party hard too don’t we my fabulous fellow gig goers – always, always, making the best of times when we gather together.
To be honest, thats probably the second thing we are fantastically famous for – and then some.
Just the perfect reason then to look forward to Cadstock 2020 at Victoria Park on Saturday and Sunday July 18th and 19th.
It’s already flagged up on Facebook, so just click here to get those dates in the old diary.
It’s the week before that other big Barry weekender this year too, so let’s go large, not home…for a fortnight.
As always, logistics and line-ups will be released soon with the promise of a wonderful weekend with family and friends ahead.
I love catching up with my mates at Cadstock, usually whilst laying on the grass, or prancing around the Park to the lovely live music on offer.
Even got caught on camera one year playing an inflatable shocking pink guitar Jimmi Hendrix stylee whilst bopping by the Band Stand.
Bet you look good on the, grass, dance floor too.
So save the last one for me.
Speak soon.
Mrs SVJ
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
As a founding member of #KeepCadstockAlive she promotes the Campaign to keep the much-loved local music festival free, family-friendly, and for all. And also acts as both Media Lead, and Communications Advisor, for the Fundraising Group.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.