Well, our town’s two-day tribute band bash GlastonBARRY certainly pulled out all the stops as they celebrated their milestone tenth anniversary with our rocking residents.
To my sheer surprise, I had a fabulous time watching the lookie-likies, catching up with the crew, and moving to the music on a wonderfully warm, then very wet, weekend.
There’s nothing like the real thing, but I liked awesome Oashish, the cracking Killers, and fan-pleaser Flash.
And who doesn’t love a bit of Bob on a Sunday afternoon too – thanks Legend.
Add in, my great Gig Girls gang, a few of my fantastic Fam, over half of a tipsy but terrific Barrybados, a comfy camping chair, plus a couple of drinkies, and the scene was set.
To be honest, I haven’t raced down to rock at Romilly Park for a time-flies five years. I spent last year in the illustrious company of Mr Paul Weller. Covid canned some, and Belfast Pride called my name two years on the trot.
I made it this year though, singing in the Saturday sunshine, and dancing on the soggy Sunday.
Truth be told, I’ve always had many a mixed feeling about GlstonBARRY.
I love that a daring Barry duo had the thought, time, and tenacity, to bring the ambitious big bash to our town.
The organisation is impeccable, the mix of music imarvellous, the Tributes are tops, the atmosphere is awesome, and the Security set-up sensible.
But, I find that really annoying no re-admittance rule, that keeps you as a captive audience, absolutely infuriating.
As a restless resident, I’m no fan of the lack of freedom to nip home for a nap, a nosh, or numerous other things.
And as gluten-free Girl, the bar is limited with the over-priced concessions not really catering for me.
Now, as you know I’ve been around the block a bit, and I’ve not seen this elsewhere.
It’s usually just wrap on the wrist band or stick on a stamp and you’re good to go.
God, it so irks my soul.
But I was there showing support at the first-ever event at The Memo in 2013, and pitched up at the Glasto 2023 gathering.
I’ve also nipped in and out over the years – especially when you didn’t have to stay stuck in the field for nine hours solid.
So, thanks for a wild weekend – a great Glasto time really was had by all.
See you next year!
Speak soon.
Mrs SVJ
Full Story: Give the GlastonBARRY website a wiggle here.
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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.
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