Hundreds enjoy bands’ big concert
THREE unsigned Bridgend bands have staged the biggest concert of their careers so far in their home town.
And such was the success of the gig, which more than 300 people attended at the Sony Theatre at Bridgend College, that more are being planned.
“It was better than anyone could have expected. It was amazing,” said Steve Bletsoe, co-owner at Ella Riley’s Traditional Sweets in the town, who originally came up with the idea.
“It was good to see the bands enjoying themselves. When we first thought of the idea, we thought 200 people might turn up, but there were more than 300 in there.”
Rock acts Written In Kings, The Broadcasts and Fire Fences shared the stage on Friday night in what is hoped will become the first in a series of live, quarterly shows to breathe new life into the local music scene. Smaller acoustic sessions are also planned.
Despite success with tours in Europe and America, the three homegrown acts have been limited to smaller venues in their own area.
WeeksWeeksWeeks Management supported the project, with sponsorship for the event coming from Compassion Church in Bridgend.
Written In Kings drummer Nathan Beaton, 25, told the audience he hoped the event would become a regular fixture on the local music scene, offering young music fans somewhere to go to see the latest acts, while also championing those acts by giving them an opportunity they would not otherwise have.
He also explained why the band are ambassadors for Compassion, which works across the world encouraging people to sponsor a child to help lift them out of poverty.
They sponsor Bismark, a little boy who lives in Ghana.
Addressing the audience Nathan said: “We believe poverty is a lie and believe that no one should have to live under it and that is why we have partnered with that incredible organisation.”
Each band played a set of their own music, something which Written In Kings front man Sam Taylor said is rare for them as local venues usually like them to play cover versions.
“It was good fun. I think I enjoyed it more than anyone here,” he said after the show. “It was just awesome to be able to put on an event like this in your home town and turn up and enjoy our own music.”
YouTube star and Nashville singer Rusty Clanton also played the after party at a cafe on Nolton Street, Bridgend.