Well, what a super start to the Spring, the sun was shining, the Covid-19 chaos was cooling.
And then came the confirmation that cracking Cadstock was ready to rock again.
I thought my most nice news of the week was to be the final flinging of those mean masks – except for medical moments, so I was doubly delighted to also find that Barry’s free, family friendly, for all, Festival was good to go.
For me, Cadstock is the jewel in the town’s crown.
I love its Woodstock vibe with the ‘all are welcome’ ethos. No fee to pay, no frisking at the door, full freedom to bring whatever food and drink you like, and the way you can just wander in and out hassle free.
It’s bizarre really how every year a massive mix of our town’s really different residents descend on Victoria Park and dance the weekend away. It may be a motley crew but wow does it work and is one of the hippiest and happiest events of the year.
Cadstock, for me, is also a community event proper, and I’ve popped along almost every year for a decade to show my support. I also like it that the party is, for once, over the much-maligned east end of town.
Credit to those town traders in the area who have always stood firmly behind the Festival, and also those others who support with sponsorship. Thank you, its ‘a not for profit’ gig that needs to raise all the cash it can.
As a community activist and music lover, I was, of course, chuffed to bits to be invited to part of the #KeepCadstokAlive committee a couple of years ago, throwing myself into the heady world of the voluntary press officer.
Our newly-keen crew hit the ground running and swiftly set up the fabulous sell out show at Barry Island Social Club showering the Cadstock buzz all over Barry.
Then the Coronavirus came.
In fact, the Fundraiser was to be my last live music night out until I saw the Specials in 2021. Unbelievable really isn’t it, and all the more reason to really celebrate as the all these Festivals filter back.
So brace yourself, Cadstock is coming for you in July with a brilliant band line up that promises something for everyone – ska to soft rock, mod to metal, and some sweet soul music.
See you there.
Mrs SVJ
The Voice of Our Community
Sue Vincent-Jones, blogging as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and activist. She writes about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
Written exclusively for the Vale’s newest newspaper, and digital platform, The Glamorgan Star, her latest ‘Passing Comment’ column, an addition to the infamous Sue’s Views collection, can be found here.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.