Neath Carnival turns back the (musical) clock

02 Jul 2008

Next weekend’s Neath Carnival boasts a line-up of musical artists fit to grace any festival taking place in the UK this summer.

An extended event featuring two nights of top rock performances will see 70s legends T-Rex and Roy Wood take to the stage at the Cwrt Herbert Sports Ground, while former Stereophonic Stuart Cable steps up to the plate for Wales.

Sandwiched between the Rockarama! event on the evenings of Friday 11^th and Saturday 12^th July is the carnival, which promises the usual range of activities and entertainment on Saturday afternoon from 12-4.30pm

“This weekend will see Rockerama firmly established as Neath’s major summer music festival, with all proceeds going to charity,” said Giles Payne, of organisers Neath Round Table. 

“Friday’s headliners T-Rex are fresh from a marathon tour of Germany and Austria. He may no longer be with us, but Marc Bolan’s songs live on in style since the band’s reformation in 1997.  A recently re-released back catalogue, full gigging schedule and a great live show has secured the band’s timeless popularity and place in rock history.”

Saturday’s carnival and family fun afternoon will showcase local community clubs, societies and organisations, in and around the main arena. Families can enjoy a variety of acts on the main stage, including highlights from a production of High School Musical, along with gymnastics, martial arts and other displays by local children in the middle arena. 

Stalls and stands will include a motorcycle club display and youth football tournament, while the funfair will have many rides to choose from. Food and refreshments will be widely available.

Neath town centre will be the venue for the popular parade of vintage tractors and steam engines on Saturday afternoon, finishing at the Sports Ground.

Saturday Live is being headlined by former Wizzard lead singer Roy Wood with his new band. Having topped the charts with the Move, ELO and Wizzard for over three decades, Roy’s live shows are as spectacular as ever. His diverse, critically acclaimed contribution to British music has been awarded with an honorary degree and Ivor Novello award. 

Former Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable’s new band Killing for Company will get the show started on Saturday night, and a stunning fireworks display will bring the 2008 carnival to a close.

Corus is sponsoring the event to the tune of £5,000.  Community spokesman Keith Farron said: “Neath Round Table has enjoyed a great relationship with the local community over the decades, and this wonderful musical and festive event is appreciated by all—not least a large proportion of Corus Port Talbot staff and their families—with the carnival allowing generous contributions to be made to many local and national organisations.” 

Giles Payne added: “The recent involvement of local corporate sponsors such as Corus has enabled the event to continue to grow and evolve to become one of the largest of its kind in the area.  We are very grateful for their continued support and generosity.”