Merthyr Express column

29th April ‘10

Stars In Their Eyes JR
This year’s Junior Stars In Their Eyes is taking place on Friday May 7th at Treharris Boys & Girls Club. The annual event is now in it’s sixth years, growing in size and quality each year. There will be two separate competitions for the different age ranges due to demand. The competition is based on fun with an emphasis on getting involved. Even those who do not want to get up on the stage have an opportunity to participate behind the scenes gaining valuable skills through team work, planning and organising, video editing, photography etc. The events use and involve local businesses, community groups and primary schools. The Junior Stars in Their Eyes events are fun packed and filled with singing, dancing, comedy, poetry, music and even gymnastics. The Junior Stars in Their Eyes project is organised by the Taff Bargoed Communities First Team and Partnership Board Members. For further information contact Paddy on 01443 710821

Festival Season
As we look forward to summer a new festival will be coming to Merthyr this May: The Unified Music Festival will be held on Saturday 8th May at Merthyr Tydfil College, with two stages: The Myfanwy Stage with The Guns, The Portraits, The Oratorios, Kiss Silv R, Revoker, My Ceramic Rabbit, Portal House, Headline, Eight Piece Suit, Missdalgik and The Secret Enemy: And an Acoustic Stage with Y Betti Galws, Mike Morgan, Dicey, Colon and The Gubbins plus DJ sets from Jawz, Dave Hassell, Orange Elvis and Streamline. Doors open at 12:00pm. There will be workshops throughout the day, with the theatre opening at 7:00pm. Tickets cost £4 in advance or £6 on the door. Children go free. In association with Merthyr and the Valleys Mind.

Global Village
This year’s Global Village festival takes place on Sunday 23rd May, at Cyfarthfa Park, celebrating the cultural diversity of Merthyr Tydfil, with music, dance and food from across the globe, including India Dance Wales, traditional Portuguese dancers, native American Hoop Dance, Didgeridoo playing, Welsh Pipers and much more. For further information visit www.merthyrtydfilglobalvillage.co.uk.

Bedlinog Rocks!

The Bedroc Welsh Language Music Festival returns to Bedlinog this summer for a weekend of entertainment on 18th – 20th June. Performers include Bryn Fon, Brigyn, Yr Ods, Meinir Gwilym, Yucatan, Heather Jones, Ryan Kiffty, Masters in France, Y Plebs and many more including rising Merthyr stars Y Betti Galws, who’s first single is still available through record shops throughout Wales. You can also listen to the band on Radio Cymru online or request a radio airing by texting 67500. Tickets for Bedroc are £7 per night or £10 for the weekend, from www.sebon.co.uk or contact Cymdeithas Gymraeg Beddllwynog on 01443 710653 or Menter Merthyr on 01685 722176.

The Sounding Bowl
The next Open Mike Night at the Imperial Hotel celebrates the launch of a new publication “The Sounding Bowl”, with contributions from a number of Merthyr poets. The launch is free entry, on 13th May 2010.