Well Cadstockers, we certainly kept Cadstock Alive, with our sell out brilliant Barry Island Benefit Gig – only to have Covid creep up and kill it stone dead…well for this year at least.
Our free, for all, family, Festival usually hosted in July at Victoria Park, is one of the highlights of our cohesive community’s summer season.
And just the latest in a long line of Barry’s so looked forward to standard events, that have falling foul of the lonely, lifeless Lockdown.
This includes the tribute band tsunami that is GlastonBarry, our beautiful Barry Pride, and that long, lovely list of Barry Island Weekenders – from Island of Fire to Cinema on the Beach.
There was even a terrific treat of the whole of Gavin and Stacey Season One to be shown at the fag end of August as a little bonus to the Bank Holiday.
And while my over-excited sense of anticipation made me feel the Christmas Special was a bit of a festive fail , we all know that really, the tale of the Bird from Barrybados and the Bloke from Billericay, is one of the best series to ever come out of the town.
So Cadstock is not alone is seeing its 2020 plans lost in lockdown, and like many other community-minded locals may try to take the musical weekender online – just like Barry Pride who are joining the digital delight of the first ever Wales Wide Virtual Pride on July 24 and 25.
Please follow the Cadstock Facebook Page for all the latest updates.
Announcing the crushing cancellation, founder Jonathan Greatrex said:
“As you may have already guessed, despite keeping an eye on all the stuff that’s been happening recently, we have regrettably decided we have to pull the plug on Cadstock for this summer and postpone until 2021.
It’s a damn shame, and it’s a big disappointment for us all. But best to be safe, and we will be back stronger and better than ever next year – hell yes! We will roll over everything as is and aim to bring you the best free rocking party in Victoria Park Barry has ever had – Cadstock 11
We’ve been in touch with the bands and contributors, as well as chatting to our buddies who run other large events, and we don’t think there is going to be any chance to run events like ours over the summer with a guarantee of safety.
However, we are thinking of trying to run a virtual Cadstock with help from our band buddies over the weekend of 18/19 July. You’ll be able to listen in or watch online in the comfort of your own home – we could even share a virtual beer! Bro Radio are helping us to work out the tech stuff and host it so it’ll be a good way to keep the Cadstock vibe alive.
Our main concern is that everyone is well and safe, and stays that way and our thoughts are with the friends and families of those who have lost loved ones already. Do make a special time in lockdown to keep looking out for your friends and loved ones however you can in these sad days.
Love and kindness to you all. God bless the NHS and all the frontline workers keeping the rest of us safe and looked after.
Time to keep on ticking, and give this Covid-19 a kicking. Stay safe.”
Massive thanks to Jon, the rest of the team, and the Barry bands, who worked tenaciously and tirelessly to Keep Cadstock Alive.
Might only see you on screen this year, but will definitely see you by the bandstand in 2021.
We’ll be back.
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.
This Blog is also featured in My Corona Virus Diary, Sue’s take on this pandemic palaver – the long lingering Lockdown, our queer quarantine, the isolation nation, and how our town took to these crazy Covid 19 times.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.