WelshFest 2018
Looking Back


Set in the Vale of Glamorgan’s picturesque Countryside, WelshFest was an Outdoor Weekend Live Music Festival just a stones throw away from the Welsh Capital.The Festival took place on the beautiful grounds of the Spectacular Coedarhydyglyn Estate. 
This was the festival's official website.
Content is from the site's 2018 archived pages, as well as other sources.

Welsh Fest
St Nicholas
CF5 6SF


Welshfest is bringing together a modern mix of Music Genre’s, Arts and Poetry, featuring some of the finest original live performing artists from all over Wales with over 100 Acts Across 4 Live Stages
The Live festival Wales has been anticipating!!! Rock, Indie, Ska, Pop, Blues, folk, Classical, house, Techno, WelshFest has some thing for anybody. 3 days of non stop live tunes. take a look at out our many family activities and different points of interest at the festival too. in addition to our outdoor live Acts, there’s 3 days of non stop DJ’s inside the Dance Tent and WelshFest may also be showcasing ‘talent Cymru’, very 1st event of its type ever to be held in Wales. Camp for the weekend or come for the day and be part of the fun in the sun.

 



Cardiff Welshfest 2018 - july
Set within the Vale of Glamorgan’s picturesque geographical region, WelshFest is an outdoor Weekend live band/music festival just a stone's throw away from the Welsh Capital.
WelshFest 2018 will take location inside the beautiful grounds of the dazzling Coedarhydyglyn property much less than a mile from Culverhouse cross. they're bringing collectively a modern-day mix of song genre’s, Arts and Poetry, providing a number of the finest authentic live performing artists from all throughout Wales.

~~~~~

Joe Miller comments: I attended this event, travelled from the US to meet some old friends to hang out and enjoy the music. Really love the version of ska that these bands produce. Was really impressed with a set by Captain Accident. Little did we know that this would be the last year. The record crowds, up to 5000 I have heard, really was too much for the surrounding community. OK. I get it. There was a post in March 2019 that said: "We regret that WelshFest will not be going ahead in 2019. Thanks to all the performers and people who attended in 2018. We hope to be back next year." Well, and then Covid hit. I was back in the US by then. New York City went into lockdown. It was weird. I started working at home. My entertainment amounted to watching a lot of movies on Netflix and HBO Max, including many Batman and Superman films, listening to bands, including Captain Accident & the Disasters on YouTube. Their music often reminded me of the classic superhero rivalry, especially since I've seen photos of the band members wearing Batman and Superman T-shirts. This reignited my interest in the age-old debate of Superman vs Batman, inspired by the movies focused on this superhero competition. The dynamic between these two iconic characters became a topic of many online discussions I joined, paralleling my interest in the music and the superhero genre. Instead of engaging in online gaming as I had when I was in England, where my evenings were filled with camaraderie and friendly competition, I found myself diving deep into fan forums and discussion groups dedicated to debating the merits and flaws of Batman and Superman, analyzing their movies, and sharing fan theories. This shift from a gaming-focused entertainment routine to an immersive dive into superhero lore was seamless, fueled by my enthusiasm for the characters and the music of Captain Accident & the Disasters, which served as a backdrop to many of these discussions. The debates were endless, from the philosophical implications of Superman's alien origins and his god-like powers to Batman's human resilience and strategic mind. While these discussions didn't offer the thrill of winning a game, they provided a different kind of excitement: a shared passion for storytelling and character analysis among like-minded fans.

Jump ahead to 2022
I am planning to be in London in the fall and have bought tickets to the Bad Press Tour of Captain Accident. Really looking forward to it. I've listening to their newest releases on Youtube, but it will be so much better to see them live. Can't wait!!

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Welshfest organisers vow to go ahead despite losing licence hearing

Goldie Lookin' Chain are due to perform at the festival at the Coedarhydglyn Estate in the Vale of Glamorgan.

/www.walesonline.co.uk/

Organisers of Welshfest music festival near Cardiff say the event will still go ahead despite being refused a licence.

Concerns over public safety and noise led to a licence application for Welshfest, which is expected to attract up to 5,000 people, being turned down last week.

But organisers of the festival, planned between July 27 and 29, say the event will still be held and have already applied for another licence.

Vale of Glamorgan council turned down Welshfest’s licence application on April 20 but said it is supportive of events which carry no risk of public nuisance or crime.

Welshfest, due to be headlined by comedy rap group Goldie Lookin Chain, is planned at the Coedarhydyglyn Estate in St George’s-super-Ely just outside the capital.

Tickets are still on sale for £45 for the full weekend of the festival, where promoters say will be “Rock, Indie, Ska, Pop, Blues, Folk, Classical, House, Techno Three days of non stop live music”.

Vale of Glamorgan council said Welshfest representatives failed to attend the hearing into the festival’s licence application on Friday.

A council spokesman said: “Concerns were raised by the police regarding issues of public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder, while Shared Regulatory Services voiced concerns relating to public safety and public nuisance.

“Despite the fact officers from both organisations made the applicant aware of these concerns in late March, no further details on how they might be addressed were provided. This being the case, the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee refused the application.

“The council is supportive of events that can demonstrate their delivery comes at no risk of public nuisance, risk to public safety or risk of crime and disorder. We have been in contact with the applicant since the decision was made and will provide advice on what options are available to them.”

Objections had been made after Welshfest asked for permission to sell alcohol and play recorded music until 2am, and live music up to midnight.

Shared Regulatory Services, provider of environmental health and licensing services for Bridgend, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan councils, had asked for live and recorded music at the event to be restricted to 11pm each day, and for the sale of alcohol to stop at 10:40pm.

Sue Brown, environmental health officer for Shared Regulatory Services, said there were serious concerns about the management of the festival in a letter to Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Welshfest confirmed to WalesOnline it has submitted another licence application this morning (April 23).

Vale of Glamorgan Council is due to make a decision on the application by May 31.

A Welshfest spokesman said: “The festival is still going ahead. A new application was submitted this morning.”

 

 

Welcome to WelshFest

”Breathing Fire into Live Music in Wales”

 Cardiff 27th – 29th July 2018

Set in the Vale of Glamorgan’s picturesque Countryside, WelshFest is an Outdoor Weekend Live Music Festival just a stones throw away from the Welsh Capital.

WelshFest 2018 will take place in the beautiful grounds of the Spectacular Coedarhydyglyn Estate less than a mile from Culverhouse Cross.   We are bringing together a modern mix of Music Genre’s,  Arts and Poetry, featuring some of the finest original live performing artists from all over Wales.  

Over 100 Acts Across 4 Live Stages

The Festival Wales has been waiting for!!!   Rock, Indie, Ska, Pop, Blues, Folk, Classical, House, Techno, WelshFest has something for everyone.  Three days of non stop live music.  Check out our  Family Activities and other Attractions at the festival too.   As well as our Outdoor Live Acts, there’s 3 days of non stop DJ’s in the Dance Tent and WelshFest will also be showcasing ‘Talent Cymru’, the first Event of its kind ever to be held in Wales. Camp for the weekend or come for the day and join in the fun.

LIMITED TIME SALE ON NOW

FULL WEEKEND EARLY BIRD TICKETS ONLY £45

 



INTERVIEW: We caught up with singer/songwriter Sian Evans ahead of her headline performance at Welshfest. We asked the former Kosheen front woman a few questions about what we can expect.

Over 100 Artists

 

SATURDAY SUNDAY
SIAN EVANS GLC
Kizzy Crawford The Dirty Youth
Fire Road Buffalo Summer
Heavy On The Ride Fire Fences
Captain Accident The Riff
Local Enemy Ragsy
The Blims Jack Ellis
Leighton Jones Upbeat Sneakers
Digital Criminals Written In Kings
Pitchforks The Forgotten Age
Vella Vince James
Hang 11 Just Drive
Chroma Skacasm
Charlie Says Beyond the Break
Tom Jane Tracey Island
Rebecca Hurn Zinvandals
Celesta Sydney Fate
The Sonic Jewels Naomi Rae
Owain Feltstead Oxbow Lake
Sally Crosby Frankie Wesson
Risorius Ramnastax
Lost Like Alice NEIL
Stus Gastric Band FORT
10+1 Ortario
Platform1 Sienna
Fallen Temples  

 


 



Local enemy are an indie rock n’ roll gang from Merthyr Tydfil. Plenty of attitude, swagger, no affectation and songs that get right up into your personal space.



 

ATTRACTIONS

WelshFest isn’t just about the music, it’s about the festival experience too.  Immerse yourself in all WelshFest has to offer.  Take a wander around our other onsite attractions, take part in activities or just relax with a drink and take in the festival atmosphere.

Festival Village

Drinks, Cocktails, International Cuisine, Clothing, hand made Musical Instruments and lots more stalls to browse around in WelshFest Village.  Keep a look out on our Facebook page for posts about all the lovely things on offer over the weekend.

Kidz Zone

An area for families to relax and have fun including Seating Areas, Food & Drink, children’s activities including Free interactive Circus with  the amazing Jitterbug Circus, Rides, Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Balloon Making and Ice Cream,bouncy castles including a 25 metre water slip n slide.

Fair Ground

Open day and night, this is sure to get the adrenaline pumping with an array of rides suitable for both adults and children.

Foam Party

Let your hair down with friends or strangers and join us in Wales largest outdoor inflatable foam party.  One hundred square metres of dance madness.  Dance the day and night away waist high in foam for a hilarious and unforgettable experience.

Dance Tent
Our biggest under cover Stage.  Be entertained until late and dance your socks off with 3 days of non stop beats from Fixate, FreeBass & Special Guests tba.  Some of the best House & Techno from the UK.

WelshFest Wellbeing

– More Info Coming Soon

Main Stage

Our largest Outdoor Live Stage featuring our Headline Acts and other Performers 

2nd Stage

Outdoor Live Stage featuring Talent Cymru Bands and Other Acts

Acoustic Stage

In the Tent featuring Alternative Music, Cover Acts and Talent Cymru Bands.  From Cool Vibe to Rampant Sing Along Classics.  Definitely worth a visit

Talent Cymru

The only contest of its kind being held in the UK.  Hand picked talent  from all over Wales will be performing alongside our Headlining Acts over the weekend festival on our live stages.

Welsh Fest also provides both upcoming and established Music Acts with the chance to perform on the big stage for a once in a lifetime opportunity to really make their mark in Welsh music.

They will be judged by our onsite panel with only one Act crowned the WelshFest Winner.  The Event will be hosted by Capital FM’s one and only Polly James breakfast show host and DJ.  Come and join us for an unforgettable experience of Live Welsh Music, Art and Culture.

Art Tent

WelshFest is bringing together creative people who express themselves in Art, Music, Poetry,
and all the performing arts. There are no limits to where the power of imagination can take us.

Would you like to display your artworks in our WelshFest Art tent ?

There are 2 options for doing this:

1) Display your artwork for your own remuneration with WelshFest taking a 20% commission.

2) Display Your artwork in the fund raising section of the exhibition where if sold 100% goes to your
designated registered charity. All artwork not sold will be returned to the artist at the end of the exhibition.

If you want to reach a big receptive audience with your art at WelshFest, then please email
us at [email protected] attaching photos of the artwork that you wish to submit,
the dimensions in cm, and the selling price,
and specify if the proceeds are for you, or for your designated registered charity.

Please also include a CV of what your art is all about and where and when you have exhibited your work.

All pictures will need to have a cord strung at the back to enable secure hanging.

The closing date date for your application is 15th June 2018 and we’ll get back to you by 29th June,
to let you know if our art panel has been able to include your art into our exhibition.

Artists who are exhibiting will have a pass to enter WelshFest for free over the weekend,
and are encouraged to come and join their fellow artists, and put their creative skills
to use in the art tent, so WelshFest visitors can see our art community in action.

 

 



POSTS

Captain Accident & The Disasters

CAPTAIN ACCIDENT & THE DISASTERS   Saturday 28th July 2018 WelshFest Main Stage CARDIFF   Captain Accident is a reggae/ska/soul artist who creates a unique blend of soulful lovers rock, roots reggae, ska, dub and rocksteady at his home studio

David Houlton March 7, 2018March 7, 2018 

SIAN EVANS of Kosheen Headlines WelshFest

Looking Forward to having this Welsh Legend Headline the WelshFest Main Stage on Saturday 28th July 2018 https://youtu.be/McjmZUyhwkE

David Houlton February 12, 2018February 12, 2018 

Coedarhydyglyn – The WelshFest Site

  A beautiful day to be at the WelshFest Site today Just taking some final measurements.

David Houlton January 19, 2018 

Free Weekend Entry at WelshFest

Members of the public are being invited to be part of the WelshFest Team for 3 days at the festival.  For just 4 hours of volunteer work each day there’s the opportunity to enjoy the whole festival along with 3

David Houlton January 16, 2018 

The Dirty Youth Rockin it’ at WelshFest

The Dirty Youth are a Rock band from South Wales that formed in late 2009. The band’s lineup consists of singer Danni Monroe, guitarist/keyboardist Matt Bond, guitarist Luke Padfield, bassist Leon Watkins and drummer Freddie Green. They have released two studio

Simon Griffiths January 1, 2018January 15, 2018 

Venue Confirmed

We are delighted to have our 2018 venue now confirmed.  WelshFest will take place at the beautiful grounds of the Coedarhydyglyn Estate in St Nicholas.

David Houlton December 15, 2017January 15, 2018 

Venue to be announced shortly

We are in discussions with several venues in Cardiff and the Vale.  We are very excited at the interest in WelshFest and we will be announcing our venue for 2018  shortly.  

 



FAQS

 

TICKETING

Q: If we book tickets in advance, can they be collected on the day?

A: No, all adavanced booked tickets must be purchased online, and brought to Welshfest.  However if we are not full, you may buy wristbands on the day but it’s CASH ONLY.

Q: Can my tickets be refunded if I am unable to attend on the day?

A: Tickets are non-refundable, non-returnable, and non-transferable. If having bought tickets you find you are unable to attend, you can return them to us, and if the festival is sold out, we will attempt to resell your tickets. If we are successful, we will refund your purchase at face value. The non-transferable rule is in place to help us stamp out organised touting.

Q: Do we still need to order a ticket for our children aged 2 and under even though they’re free of charge?

A: Children aged 2 and under are free of charge and do not need tickets, but
must be ‘wristbanded’ on arrival at the Festival. Proof of age may be requested.

Q: When will the tickets be sent out?

A: Your E-ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as you have registered and paid.

Q: Will we be able to purchase tickets on the gate?

A:  If there are tickets left, they will be sold at the main box office on site in the main Car Park.

 

THE MUSIC

Q: What bands are playing this year?

A: There will be 4 stages at WelshFest this year.  Please check our Line Up for new Acts.

Q: What are the timings and running order?

A: Timings for Welshfest are likely to be as follows (subject to change): The gates to the arena open at 12pm on Friday 27th July, 10am Saturday 28th and 10am Sunday 29th. Music will start on the stages at approximately 12pm each day. The outdoor stages will end at around 12am on Friday and Saturday and 11pm on Sunday. Music in the Tents will go on later.  More information regarding running order will be available shortly and can be obtained at the site.

The campsite will be open from Friday 27th July at 12pm until Monday 30th July at 12pm, and you can arrive and leave on whichever day you choose.

Q: Will there be signposts from the station and main roads?

A: Yes, there will be signs from main roads. For full directions and travel details please go to our Getting Here section

Q: Is there parking at the festival and will I need to pay for it?

A: There will be plenty of parking at the festival.  We are waiting on further information from our licensing negotiations, however the charge will be capped at £5 per car.

Q: Will there be security?

A: Yes.  Public safety is the top priority for us and security will be in place over the weekend. We ask for the patience and cooperation with our security of anyone coming to Welshfest.

 

ENJOYING THE FESTIVAL

Q: Is WelshFest for families?

A: Yes, there’s a family area  with lots of activities for the children.  Please look at our information for families.

Q: Can I bring a picnic?

A: Yes, but it must be consumed outside the arena – In the car park or campsite. The food on offer from the festival’s traders is diverse and of the highest quality. There should be something on offer for everyone, and you haven’t experienced the festival
without trying some of the cuisine on offer!

No bottles, cans, containers, alcohol, food or large furniture may be brought into the arena. Any items found will be confiscated. Water and non-alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles with unbroken seals up to 500ml are permitted. Small amounts of food for babies or customers with specific dietary requirements may be brought in but this will be at the stewards’ discretion.

Q: Can I bring alcohol into the arena?

A: No. Only plastic 500ml bottles containing water or soft drinks will be allowed into the arena. Absolutely no glass.

Q: I will be bringing my baby to WelshFest and the food on offer will not be suitable, what do I do?

A: Baby food will be allowed into the arena, just please make sure it is in plastic containers.

Q: Will there be any covered areas if it rains?

A: There are a number of covered areas – the bars, 2 of the stages, cafe’s etc etc.

Q: Can I bring my dog to WelshFest?

A: Unfortunately dogs are not allowed anywhere on site apart from assistance/guide dogs. This is a condition of our Public Entertainment Licence.

Q: Will I be able to re-enter the site if I leave during the day?

A: We hope you won’t want to, and we try to ensure you won’t
need to. However, everyone entering the site will be issued with a wrist band
and they will need to show this if they wish to leave and re-enter the site
at any time.

Q: Will there be seating?

A: The festival is all standing and it is not possible to book seats, or to bring any kind of bulky furniture into the arena.

Q: Can we take our own chairs?

A: We really encourage people not to bring chairs into the arena as it can be a safety problem, and you wouldn’t be able to see much anyway! However, you MAY bring a rug or shooting-sticks, so you needn’t be on your feet all day. Anything that is deemed too ‘bulky’ will not be allowed into the arena so please consider this before packing (our stewards and security team will ask you to return these items to your cars or campsites).  Some bars and catering areas will have some seating available.

Q: Can we bring a wind break or sun tent into the arena?

A: No – they pose risk to yours and other festival goers’ safety. In an emergency we would need to evacuate the arena as quickly and as safely as possible. Clambering over tents, wind breaks etc would hinder a fast exit and therefore put lives at risk. If you are concerned about protecting yourself or your children from the sun, please make sure you bring plenty of sun cream and hats. Please consider this before packing as our stewards and security team will ask you to return these items to your cars or campsites.

Q: Is there a central meeting point?

A: There is an information point at the Festival which you can use as a meeting point.

Q: Will there be ATMs at the festival?

A: Yes, we have cash points in the main arena.

Q: Is there phone charging available on site?

A: Yes, Charge  facility will be available to campers and day visitors. Located in the Main Arena.

 

DISABLED FACILITIES

Q: Will there be wheelchair access / disabled facilities?

A: We try to make the festival as accessible as possible to those with special needs. The disabled car park will be the closest car park to the arena, but please note it is still some way (across grass) to the main arena, as dictated by the site. There is a wheelchair viewing platform in the main arena, and there are disabled toilet facilities in the arena and campsite. If you have particular needs, get in touch with us in advance. We’ll do our best to help.

Q: I am disabled and will be camping with my carer on the disabled campsite – do my family and friends have to camp on a different campsite to me?

A: You will be allowed a maximum of 3 people (including your carer) to camp
with you, but you will need to notify the Festival Office when applying for
your free carer ticket. Any extra friends or family will need to camp on one
of the main campsites.

Q: I am disabled and would like to bring my campervan – can I park my campervan in the disabled campsite or do I have to park it in the main campervan field?

A: You will be able to park your campervan in the disabled campsite, but you
will still need to purchase a campervan permit.

CAMPING

Q: Can you camp for just one night?

A: If you are a weekend with camping (or quieter camping) ticket holder you can camp for one night, two or three but the standard weekend camping charge applies. Go to the Camping Section for more information. Camping is only available to full weekend ticket holders.

The cost for camping is the same however many nights you stay for.

Q: Will I be able to park my car next to my tent?

A: Unfortunately it’s one of our licence conditions that cars must be parked away from the camping areas. 

Q: If I want to bring my campervan, what kind of tickets do I need to purchase?

A: You will need to buy weekend with camping tickets for each person attending, and then a campervan pass in addition to these for your vehicle. Campervan pitches will be 6m x 7.5m and you will need to keep your vehicle and any tents/awnings within this space. If your vehicle’s measurements exceed this pitch size in any way, please DO NOT purchase a Campervan Permit – you will need to email [email protected] with the subject “WelshFest Oversized Campervan”. We will then confirm a price based on the actual vehicle size and reserve the right to disallow vehicles that we think might be inappropriate for the site. If your campervan/awning/tent goes beyond your pitch size, you will be asked to remove your campervan or take down your awning/tent. For more information regarding campervans, please see the Camping section.

http://www.welshfest.com/info/camping/

Q: Can I bring my caravan or trailer tent to WelshFest?

A: Yes, but you will need to purchase a campervan pass in addition to your weekend with camping tickets (as above) and comply with the rules regarding campervan permits and pitch sizes. For more information, please see the Camping Section.

Q: Will there be an electrical hook up for my campervan?

A: No, unless you are in VIP camping.   

Q: Can I bring a BBQ or camping stove and use it on the campsite?

A: You may use a camping stove or BBQs on the campsite but open fires or are not permitted.

If you intend to bring a camping stove or BBQ, please read the following safety guidelines:

All BBQs must be raised off the ground by a stand or bricks. Never use a BBQ inside a tent, awning, caravan or vehicle. Never use a flammable liquid to revive a lit BBQ. BBQs should be kept clear of all flammable materials. Leak check all hose joints on a gas BBQ with soapy water before use. Do not smoke, and extinguish all naked flames when changing gas containers. Do not dispose of used disposable BBQs straight into rubbish bins, pens or skips, event if apparently out. Instead, allow to cool and fill with water ensuring that all ashes are saturated before placing in rubbish area. Always keep a bucket of water handy.

Q: Are dogs allowed onto the campsite?

A: Unfortunately dogs are not allowed anywhere on site apart from assistance/guide dogs. This is a condition of our Public Entertainment Licence.

Q: Can camping passes be purchased on arrival?

A: Camping passes will be available to purchase on the gate for WEEKEND TICKET HOLDERS ONLY; provided that we have not sold out. If you would like to camp at WelshFest, you are advised to buy a weekend with camping ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.

Q: What is the latest time I can arrive at the campsite?

A: The gates to the campsite will be open 12pm on Friday 27th July.  No vehicles will be allowed on site after 10pm. Gates will reopen early Saturday morning and the campsite can be accessed throughout the weekend.

 



 

WORTHY CAUSES

WelshFest is all about promoting and joining in worthy causes, here we’ll show you recent fundraising events that we have organised and been involved in. David Houlton is co-ordinating fund raising events for WelshFest, having been  a voluntary fund raiser for the last 29 years and in this time raising £86,000 for charities, mostly Cancer Care and Research. 

WelshFest co-ordinated Live Bands fund raiser for Cancer Research UK, raised £537.50 on 22nd December 2017 at the Eden Club Bridgend. Featured the awesome Big Fat Blues Band (pictured above),  soulful Chris Smith, Matthew Derrick with his amazing indie guitar playing and singing, and Phil Lowery on drums

 

David Fundraising in Porthcawl at the Elvis Festival September 2017 with Trumpet Player, Singer and Entertainer Mr Trim Bling Star ! £200 raised for Marie Curie: Care and support through terminal illness.River Ely Sponsored walk, 10th June 2017, With Richad Knock and family. Wearing silly hats…. For a Silly walk ! Raised £873 for Hypermobility Syndromes medical equipment.

 

Fundraising for Anna’s Rescue Centre (ARC) including a pub quiz at the Fox and Hounds in Llanharry on 2nd November, and selling David Houlton’s 2018 cat calendars and pictures. £364 raised for ARC.

Looking forward, ahead of WelshFest taking place, we will be planning a sponsored walk to finish at the beautiful Coedarhydyglyn WelshFest site. We will be involving several local charities. Watch this space !

 


 

WelshFest.com