Last weekend we were at the Factory Music Venue in Porth for a very special charity gig. Valley Aid was organised by our friends at Avanti Media to raise money for the local people of the Rhondda Valleys who were affected by flooding. The money was raised through ticket and merchandise sales, a ‘rock auction’, and a bucket collection at the Stereophonics gigs at Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.
Friday night saw a host of heroes from the Welsh language music scene take to the stage, including Huw Chiswell, Elin Fflur, and Mei Gwynedd. Local artist Sion Tomos Owen painted portraits of the performers which were auctioned on the night to raise money for the cause.
Saturday was the Rock Auction, featuring performances by internationally acclaimed stars in between the lots. James Dean Bradfield from the Manic Street Preachers, Andy Fairweather Low, Amy Wadge, and Mike Peters from The Alarm performed stripped back acoustic sets for a sold out audience.
We had to put Buz in a cage to stop him spending a small fortune on a Gretsch baritone guitar!
Sunday was the turn of the local bands, being curated by the Young Promoters Network. Up and coming acts performed alongside well-established stars such as Kizzy Crawford, The People The Poet and Climbing Trees.
A phenomenal effort was made by all involved and the event was a resounding success. Over £40,000 was raised for a fantastic cause.
