Information

The festival was initially conceived as just a couple of little gigs to sell CD's in order to raise a few quid for mind the mental health charity. Over the last few years various CD sales have raised over £10,000 with all the proceeds going directly to mind for use by our local branches, and not administration costs.

Then slowly, the idea took on a life of its own, drinks flowed, the ideas got bigger, more drinks, more ideas, more people on board.

Alpha Kitchens, who have supported gigs in the valleys and MIND for many years, came in as principal sponsor, ensuring ticket costs could be kept well below the right price.

GTFM Radio said they would promote a blues show in the afternoon, again, at lower ticket prices than they should be.

The Manfreds with Paul Jones were happy to play in the Park & Dare main theatre, and were backed by local valleys band from the 70's DOZY, reforming and making an album just for the occasion. The week was very successful for all who got involved, and the night with Dozy and The Manfreds especially so, as was the afternoon event with Ian Siegal. The week as a whole raised over £4,000 which went to M.I.N.D. in Pontypridd, serving Ponty and the Valleys. It was all agreed never to do it again until this year!

Alpha Kitchens of Porth is once again very pleased to be the principal sponsor of the Rhondda Music Festival which this year will run from 1st-8th of May 2010. This is the second year of the event following on from the very successful event of 2009.

Proceeds from this years event will also go to M.I.N.D, and the festival has been expanded to include gigs by local acts young and old who are all donating a track to a CD for the charity. Main stage events include jazz, the blues, bluegrass, rock and culminating in a special appearance at The Park And Dare by none other than the world famous RICK WAKEMAN, star of Yes and Grumpy Old Men just to name a small part of his C.V.

As with last years event, sponsorship from local businesses will mean that the ticket prices are kept to a minimum. Tickets for RICK WAKEMAN are already on sale from The Park And Dare; an early booking is very advisable. Over the course of the next few weeks more details will emerge as to the different venues and acts playing. These already include The Wilders, an american bluegrass band, and Larry Garner and the Norman Beaker Band.

The G.T.F.M Show will highlight the cream of local bands and Hotpoint have again pledged to put in the main prize in the raffle. Last year the lucky winner was from The District Club Pontypridd who won £500.

In this day and age anything that raises the profile of the Rhondda is to be applauded and what better way to do it then by showing off our wealth of musical talent and raising money for a worthy local cause. We would like to thank all the local businesses who have participated and all the bands who have contributed a track to the CD. If you think you can contribute in any way please phone Dave Roberts on 07711280770, or Andy on 07970 626487

Merthyr & The Valleys Mind

1 in 4 people will experience some sort of mental distress. We aim to support and empower those people and work towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health by providing a range of quality services across RCT and Merthyr Tydfil.

Our services include:

• Resource & Information Centres
• Community Advocacy Service
• Hospital Advocacy Services
• Counselling
• Campaigning
• Education / Training
• Self Help Groups
• Mental Health Awareness

National Mind Week 9th-16th May

'Men and Mental Health'

Facts show that depression occurs as often in men as women but women are twice as likely to be diagnosed or treated for depression.

For further information please contact us on 01685 359183 or 01443 484300

Thanks to everyone for their kind support.