Samba band find new place to rehearse in the great outdoors
THE Afro Brazilian percussion troop Barracwda has found an alternative home for its rehearsals at Cardiff’s Bute Park.
Around 30 members of the samba band who come together to mix funk, reggae and jungle music were unable to rehearse and socialise indoors due to lockdown restrictions – so have moved outdoors instead.
Now Barracwda, which usually meets at the Cardiff Deaf Centre in Roath, is using the outdoor activity courts in Bute Park, near Blackweir changing rooms.
They area has been designed as part of a scheme to provide private space for groups to meet.
Ben Meakin, committee member for Barracwda, said: “It allows us much-needed time to keep rehearsed and fresh.
“The social element in being able to re-engage with friends is also an important factor.
“It also allows our band leader access to a weekly income which has not been possible since restrictions began.
“Playing outdoors is second nature to us as this is where the majority of our shows are done.
“We have had to adjust slightly from usually playing in tight formation, indoors, to being spread out, but as a performance group we have no issues adapting to play in different environments.
“The group is able to re-engage with friends and come together collectively to do something we all enjoy and have very much missed.
“It benefits everyone from an exercise and mental wellbeing perspective.”
Cardiff Council started renting out socially-distanced activity courts on Blackweir Fields in July.
The temporary courts provide a private space for group sizes from nine to 29.
Social distance markings are painted on the floor, hand sanitising stations are provided and the venue operates a one-way system.