Valleys Soundfest is an alternative music festival that is held by students on the Music Technology course at Coleg Y Cymoedd. Each year the festival benefits a chosen charity, the past couple of years it has been the charity Love Hope Strength Foundation UK. The festival showcases up and coming artists, both locally and nationally as well as college bands.
Since the festival began in 2013 it has been held at the Rhondda campus, however, due to its increase in popularity the festival has moved to the larger Nantgarw campus, giving way to an indoor and outdoor stage as well as food and alcohol vendors.
With over 20 bands filling the two stages throughout the day, attendees were truly spoilt for choice. Some of the bands to grace the stages included: Only the Reign, which is a female fronted trio who covered tracks such as “Counting Stars” and “Titanium”, both of which sent chills down the audience’s spines. Then there was Ellie Parris, who added a soulful, R’n’B feel to the festival. The Moonbirds gave a summer feel to the festival with their bluesy ska vibes, whilst The Broadcasts added the indie, brit pop feel as they excelled in getting the crowd moving.
Moving to indoors…The indoor stage was hosting the heavier bands, such as The Loved and Lost, a female fronted rock band that reminded me a lot of Evanescence. The band proved to be a crowd favourite as they delivered a demanding performance. Keeping with the spirit of the this festival, there was another dose of the more local bands, such as Viking metal band Dethias who, considering they were a last minute addition to the line-up and were down a member they put on a decent show! Then there wasthe fun loving punk trio Breakdown Face. Behind the jokes and not so serious stage presence, you actually have three talented musicians, with an ever so charismatic frontman.
Considering this festival was put on by students, it was well organised. There was a relaxed, friendly environment for people from all walks of life to enjoy. Well done to all those involved in putting it together. Valleys Soundfest truly is a festival for all.
http://www.valleyssoundfest.co.uk/